# Artfully Crafted Public Benches Nejla El Zein Designs the Us, Her, Him Limestone Benches By Amy Duong | Published 2024-11-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/us-her-him References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/11/12/najla-el-zein-benches-doha-flag-plaza/) & [najlaelzein](https://najlaelzein.com/)  Lebanese designer Najla El Zein has created the Us, Her, Him benches, which are defined by their elongated structure and limestone build. The benches are at the Flag Plaza in Doha, Qatar and boast a [sculptural form](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jean-nouvel-11) designed to reflect the complexity and intricacies of human connection. The design aims to shine light on the importance of connection and it is made from 313 meters of [hand-sculpted limestone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmologyscape). El Zein speaks about the design process to Dezeen, noting "The vision behind Us, Her, Him was to capture the nuanced experience of being in a public space, where people meet, cross paths, and form connections. The installation was conceived not only as a stand-alone artistic expression but also as an integral part of the landscape, drawing visitors into the cultural district. It is not just an aesthetic piece; it also creates inviting spaces for [people to sit, gather, and interact](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-bench)." Image Credit: Iwan Baan, Damien Arlettaz and Simon Youssef ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 30% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sculptural Urban Furniture:** The Us, Her, Him benches redefine traditional public seating by incorporating sculptural elements that emphasize human connection, offering a blend of functionality and artistry. - **Hand-sculpted Materials:** Limestone and other hand-sculpted materials are seeing a resurgence in urban designs, highlighting the value of artisanal craftsmanship in contemporary public installations. - **Cultural District Integrations:** Integrating public art installations into cultural districts strengthens community engagement and enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Urban Design:** Bridging art and functionality in public infrastructure opens new avenues for creating inviting and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. - **Artisanal Craftsmanship:** The growing appreciation for hand-crafted materials like limestone offers opportunities for traditional artisans to merge their skills with modern design needs. - **Public Art Installations:** Public art installations like the Us, Her, Him benches draw visitors and foster social interaction, significantly contributing to the vibrancy of cultural districts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dual Sculpture Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immaterial-0001.md) - [Dual-Seated Plate Aluminum Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-a-little-bit-further.md) - [Sleek Public Seating Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leftover-bench.md) - [Curvaceous Sculptural Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strate-bench.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Chic Recycled Aluminum Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bello-bench.md) - [Revived Sustainable Urban Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ypsilon-bench.md) - [Modular Outdoor Space Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mass-public-bench.md) - [Architectural Library Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reading-nooks.md)