On the lawn overlooking the playing fields of Churchill College a large continuous bench is placed. In some places the bench sinks into the ground while at the same time growing out of it somewhere else, thus creating the impression of being connected underground by an imaginary line. With a principle form borrowed from an ubiquitous park or garden bench my modified social bench offers a place to sit and a back to lean at. But unlike typical benches, it consists of elongated, tilting, winding, rapidly rising or falling lines of seating with high arches and sharp bends. With these modifications the bench not only offers an opportunity to sit down, relax and enjoy the view over the surroundings, but also promotes conversation between individual users and viewers, giving the piece active characteristics and social qualities.
At the same time, the bench has its own sculptural quality, thus inviting the viewer to look at it and contemplate the piece by itself. With it’s playful form and vibrant blue colour, akin to Cambridge blue, the artwork transforms this otherwise empty space into a social space of joy, exchange, unexpected encounters and happiness. A place at Cambridge University that students and visitors will remember long after they have left the place.

Modified Social Bench for Cambridge
Year: 2024
Materials: powder-coated aluminium
Dimensions:
Modified Social Bench for Cambridge #01: 137 x 493 x 312 cm

Modified Social Bench for Cambridge #02: 75 x 373 x 173 cm

Permanent installation at Churchill College Cambridge, United Kingdom

Photos: Studio Jeppe Hein / Lutz Herrmann