Parkbench Bubble is a project by Thor ter Kulve, which uses a number of different materials to meet both necessary and modern day needs. He has transformed a park bench into a shelter, as well as somewhere to charge one's gadgets such as a laptop or cellphone.
The installation is on at the Aram Gallery in London, and is only available for a certain length of time. The bench is transformed with the white sheet on top, which can either be inflated or released of air. When blown-up, individuals are able to enter the space and seek some sort of shelter from the elements. A solar pad has also been placed on top of the cocoon, so that energy can be garnered from the device.
Photo Credits: designboom, thorterkulve.nl
What's Driving This Trend
- Sheltered Charging Stations
- Opportunity for integrating charging stations into public seating to provide a functional and convenient experience for users.
- Solar-powered Cocoon
- Emerging trend of using solar energy in innovative ways to power everyday objects, such as sheltered seating.
- Multi-purpose Urban Furniture
- Growing demand for urban furniture that serves multiple functions, such as providing shelter and charging capabilities.
Who This Affects Most
- Smart Cities
- Smart city initiatives can incorporate sheltered charging stations to enhance urban experiences.
- Renewable Energy
- Opportunities for renewable energy companies to provide solar solutions for powering public amenities like park benches.
- Urban Design and Architecture
- Urban designers can explore creative ways of integrating multi-purpose furniture into public spaces to improve functionality and user experience.
