# Sculptural Terminal Seats The 'Sea Cloud' Sculpture Offers an Artistic Touch with Public Seating By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-03-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/public-seat References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2017/03/28/a-sculpture-you-can-sit-on/) The common rule to not touch the artwork doesn't apply to the 'Sea Cloud' as it's a [sculpture that doubles as public seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jean-nouvel-11) for travelers to enjoy. Situated at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, the 'Sea Cloud' is the design work of Ken Chen and offers a spot to sit that's comfortable and stylish to enable a dual-purpose installation for the terminal. The 'Sea Cloud' consists of [twisted surfaces and a sculpted aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archetypes) that enables it to offer a birds-eye view of the sea that is inspired by the view of flying over it. This enables the [public seating sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-bench) to be an exceptionally beautiful and appropriate piece for the airport for travelers to admire while passing through or sit on while waiting for their flight. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dual-purpose Sculptural Seating:** Opportunity to create public seating that also serves as a piece of art. - **Airport Terminal Sculptures:** Opportunity to incorporate sculptures and functional art installations in airport terminals. - **Aerial-inspired Design:** Opportunity to design art installations and seating inspired by aerial views and landscapes. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create dual-purpose installations that are both functional and artistic. - **Airport and Travel:** Opportunity for airports to incorporate functional art and sculptures to create a more visually appealing and comfortable environment for travelers. - **Furniture and Seating:** Opportunity for furniture and seating manufacturers to create functional art pieces that offer comfort and style to public spaces such as airports. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Public Airport Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gateway-collection.md) - [Dual Sculpture Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immaterial-0001.md) - [Airport Lounge Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-islands.md) - [Large-Scale Airport Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airport-installations.md) - [High-Performance Travel Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/departures-seating.md) - [Naturalistic Public Outdoor Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-ark-outdoor-seat.md) - [Sloped Tea-Room Waiting Areas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sekiyuan.md) - [Elegantly Airy Outdoor Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arch-bench.md) - [Recycled Seating Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlanta-airport-chairs.md)