# Sheltered Charging Stations The 'Parkbench Bubble' Offers Assistance to Different Needs By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-09-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parkbench-bubble References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/thor-ter-kulve-parkbench-bubble-shelter-solar-powered-charging-station-09-18-2014/) & [thorterkulve.nl](http://www.thorterkulve.nl/) 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](http://www.designboom.com/design/thor-ter-kulve-parkbench-bubble-shelter-solar-powered-charging-station-09-18-2014/), [thorterkulve.nl](http://www.thorterkulve.nl/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unwinding Multifunctional Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-energy-charge.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Rotating Solar Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eness-1.md) - [Rotating Solar-Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-solarpowered-bench-that-spins-ever-so-slowly.md) - [Redesigning Restful Moments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anew-project.md) - [Integrated Charging Hub Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magpower-tables.md) - [City-Honoring Furniture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/symbiotic-urban-furniture-project.md) - [Illuminated Charger Design Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/current-concept.md) - [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md)