# Comfy Cracked Benches The Surface of Take a Seat by Anna-Lisa Fondato Gives Way When Sat On By Meghan Young | Published 2013-05-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/take-a-seat-by-annalisa-fondato References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/TAKE-A-SEAT-the-urban-relaxation/8398633) Take a Seat by Anna-Lisa Fondato, an industrial designer based in Florence, Italy, looks like the hard cracked surface of a desert floor. Although this gives the bench a visually striking aesthetic, it couldn't be farther from the truth. Instead of an unforgiving seat, it gives way to the weight of the sitter for added comfort. This is made possible by the use of [high-density flexible polyurethane foam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knit-one-chair) that lies just beneath the [teak wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tanuvi-hegde). Stemming from an awareness of real relational developmental changes due to the proliferation of social networks, the adapting surface of Take a Seat by Anna-Lisa Fondato, in collaboration with Flavia Balzoni, gives it a mechanical softness that is pleasantly unexpected. It debuted at the [Fuori Salone in Milan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siembra-capsule). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 96% | 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) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cracked-bench Comfort:** The use of unconventional materials and design to create unexpectedly comfortable seating options. - **Mechanical Softness:** The integration of mechanical properties that allow furniture to adapt to the user's movements for added comfort. - **High-density Flexibility:** The use of high-density flexible materials for added durability and unexpected comfort. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture Design:** Opportunities to create innovative seating solutions that challenge traditional design conventions for added comfort and durability. - **Interior Design:** Incorporating unexpected materials and innovative design into interior spaces for added comfort and visual appeal. - **Event Design:** Creating unique seating options that offer comfort and functionality for events and temporary installations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Recycled Resin Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cresta.md) - [Visibly Undulating Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concave-stool.md) - [Chic Recycled Aluminum Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bello-bench.md) - [Sleek Public Seating Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leftover-bench.md) - [Adaptive Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adp-bench.md) - [Squishy Clay-Made Daybeds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-soil-daybed.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Repurposed Brick Public Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-public-furniture.md) - [Sculptural Seating Carpets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rondin.md)