# Planter-Supported Seating Romeo & Juliet Bench Tells an Impossible Love Story Between Two Trees By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-01-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/romeo-juliet-bench References: [extremis.be](http://www.extremis.be/tools/romeo-juliet?album=packshot) Although it may appear to offer a remarkably romantic setting for two people to sit together, the Romeo & Juliet Bench tells a story about eternal separation which has nothing to do with the users of this unique piece. But in order not to paint a picture of a total tragedy, the lovely seating system addresses its star-crossed symbolism in a lighthearted manner. Stijn Goethals, Koen Baeyens and Basile Graux of Extremis created this perch, in its most reduced dimensions, to incorporate [two large flowerpots as supportive pedestals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planter-300) for the [slatted wooden seat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columns). Precisely-cut circular openings expose the soil inside the planters and allow elegant slender trees to be grow within. A continuous row of several units can be linked up for a [long outdoor bleacher](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-bench), but it's the relationship between two isolated trees that spark this tale of a hopeless partnership as the Romeo & Juliet Bench. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Planter-supported Seating:** Designing seating systems that incorporate flowerpots as supportive pedestals for a unique and visually appealing outdoor experience. - **Circular Openings:** Creating precisely-cut circular openings in seating structures to expose the soil inside the planters and allow for the growth of elegant slender trees. - **Storytelling Bench Design:** Developing seating systems that tell compelling stories through their design, sparking emotions and creating engaging experiences for users. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Design:** The furniture design industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate plants and nature into their seating systems to enhance user experience and visual appeal. - **Landscape Architecture:** Landscape architects can utilize the concept of circular openings in seating structures to seamlessly integrate greenery and nature into outdoor spaces. - **Outdoor Entertainment:** The outdoor entertainment industry can benefit from storytelling bench designs that create memorable and immersive experiences for visitors, contributing to a unique and engaging atmosphere. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dual-Seated Plate Aluminum Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-a-little-bit-further.md) - [Dual Sculpture Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immaterial-0001.md) - [Sculptural Gravity Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-bench.md) - [Modular Outdoor Space Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mass-public-bench.md) - [Threshold Bench Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torii.md) - [Tranquil Reading Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapters-furniture.md) - [Artfully Crafted Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/us-her-him.md) - [Sculptural Dynamic Two-Person Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bench-for-two.md) - [Bike-Friendly Outdoor Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinajarro-bench.md)