Jolan van der Wiel, a Dutch designer, has created an environmentally connected public bench as part of his 'Tropic City' collection. The bench is able to gather and store rainwater that falls on it, automatically circulating that water through the transparent tubes that make up its seat.
Typically, rain is inimical to benches, as precipitation renders public furniture too wet to make use of. The Tropic City bench subverts that notion, turning rain from a nuisance into a visually stimulating aspect of its design. Not only does the rain add a pleasing visual element, but it also has the practical advantage of storing the water for later use in the event of a shortage or a drought.
As the collection's name suggests, the various pieces in the Tropic City collection are designed to address the particular needs of urban areas in tropical climates.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Environmentally Connected Furniture
- Creating public furniture that integrates with the environment, such as benches that collect and circulate rainwater.
- Water Conservation in Urban Areas
- Developing solutions for storing and reusing rainwater in cities, particularly in tropical climates.
- Designs That Turn Nuisance Into Advantage
- Creating innovative designs that transform problems like rain into visually stimulating and practical features.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Outdoor Furniture Manufacturing
- Opportunity for manufacturers to create benches and other outdoor furniture that collect and store rainwater.
- Water Management Technology
- Technology companies can develop systems to capture and circulate rainwater in urban areas, addressing water scarcity issues.
- Urban Design and Architecture
- Architects and designers can incorporate innovative rainwater collection and reuse systems into urban spaces, enhancing sustainability.
