# Arboreal Outdoor Furnishings Trees by Talenia Phua Gajardo Bring Refuge to the Urban Jungle By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-10-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trees-by-talenia-phua-gajardo References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2013/10/02/trees-by-talenia-phua-gajardo/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/TREES-for-Singapore-Design-Week/11234861) Set up for Singaplural, the Singapore Design Week, these Trees by Talenia Phua Gajardo are a fitting addition to one of the city's public plazas. The ultra-modern Southeast Asian metropolis has done a spectacular job of bringing the natural environment to its built-up environment, and by imitating things organic in clever and well-designed ways. The designer worked with [Arup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santagiulia), Cheng Meng and Ergos to complete this project, creating sculptures that serve as benches and a lamppost. Valchromat material was used to cut a large collection of cross-sectional slats that were then assembled to fully form three-dimensional installations. The focal point is a tree-shaped element that provides a sheltering canopy and seating. This and the surrounding cluster of stools are illuminated at night for safety and a striking visual effect. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Urban-nature Integration:** Designing outdoor furnishings that seamlessly blend natural elements with the urban environment, creating a harmonious and inviting space. - **Functional Sculptural Design:** Using sculptures that serve multiple purposes, such as benches and lampposts, to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of public spaces. - **Sustainable Materials and Construction:** Exploring the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative construction techniques to create durable and environmentally-conscious outdoor furnishings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Urban Design and Architecture:** This trend presents opportunities for urban design firms to create unique and visually appealing outdoor installations that improve the overall experience of public spaces. - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can leverage the demand for functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor furnishings by developing innovative designs and utilizing sustainable materials. - **Lighting Design and Technology:** The integration of lighting elements into outdoor sculptures and installations opens up possibilities for lighting designers to create captivating nighttime experiences in public spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tree-Intertwined Metal Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenir-bench.md) - [Hidden Garden Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-room-around-a-tree.md) - [Mangrove Forest-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/once-upon-a-forest.md) - [Nature-Inspired Structured Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twig-seating.md) - [Tree-Inspired Modular Outdoor Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orixe.md) - [Ceiba Tree-Inspired Spiked Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceiba-series.md) - [Urban Ecological Design Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-ecological-design.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Tree-Inspired Panelled Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hood-design-studio.md)