Scissor / Rail Bench
Western Cape Furniture Initiative design competition finalist - 2012
Western Cape Furniture Initiative design competition finalist - 2012
Public furniture is traditionally arranged to seat people in rows, which is not ideal for conversation. The angular configuration creates seating areas that are partly facing each other, to facilitate conversation and interaction, such as board games. This is also what led to the name “Scissor Bench” I chose to let the timber weather naturally with time, which is offset by the engineered precision of the legs and accessories. The benches aim to provide a pause area for busy people on the move,a rest and interaction area for people at leisure, and a temporary work space for some creative inspiration.
The “Scissor Bench” is a modular outdoor bench, comprisingan untreated Eucalyptus seat element, with 2 leg elements made of CNC punchedand bent galvanised steel, which can be powder coated in various colours.Alternatively, stainless steel can be used for the legs. The unfinishedEucalyptus will weather naturally.
The legs are attached to the seat by means of a slot alongthe edge of the seat, and fixed in place with stainless steel security bolts.The same slot allows for the fixing of accessories, like stainless steel etchedgame boards, with various options for games, as well as a raised surface, whichcan serve as a temporary work surface. The accessories are also bolted inposition.
Each bench element has one end angled at 60 degrees, whichinterfaces with the long side on another bench. This allows for variousconfigurations of multiple benches, as the environment allows. Benches arefixed in position with stainless steel security bolts, fitted through aninterface plate, from below.
Each leg has 2 foot plates, which can be fixed to the groundwith anchor bolts.
The “Scissor Bench” is a modular outdoor bench, comprisingan untreated Eucalyptus seat element, with 2 leg elements made of CNC punchedand bent galvanised steel, which can be powder coated in various colours.Alternatively, stainless steel can be used for the legs. The unfinishedEucalyptus will weather naturally.
The legs are attached to the seat by means of a slot alongthe edge of the seat, and fixed in place with stainless steel security bolts.The same slot allows for the fixing of accessories, like stainless steel etchedgame boards, with various options for games, as well as a raised surface, whichcan serve as a temporary work surface. The accessories are also bolted inposition.
Each bench element has one end angled at 60 degrees, whichinterfaces with the long side on another bench. This allows for variousconfigurations of multiple benches, as the environment allows. Benches arefixed in position with stainless steel security bolts, fitted through aninterface plate, from below.
Each leg has 2 foot plates, which can be fixed to the groundwith anchor bolts.
3 benches arranged around a tree
Detail showing game board
3 benches arranged in a wide triangle
3 benches arranged in a tighter triangle
3 benches arranged in a zig-zag pattern
Completed prototype benches in Acacia (Black Wattle)
