Another major asset is the possibility to install the bench, adapted to the needs of the environment. The subtle combination of functions awakens curiosity and social interaction. Green and water bring people together and start conversations.
Henry van
de Velde
de Velde
20
Awards
Winner
The Waterbench
Designer
Barbara Standaert
Client
Ebema N.V.
Barbara Standaert went looking for a solution to restore natural processes and go back to an urbanized landscape where green gets more attention.
The Waterbench plays here with her functions as bench, planter and rainwater tank and connects them. The bank allows that the rainwater naturally seeps through the porous concrete cover and is collected in a water-tight concrete reservoir where the plants find their water and food. This permanent and natural water supply requires hardly any maintenance, ensures a permanent green touch in the city and has a cooling effect. The reservoir can be refilled when there is long-term drought. The porous concrete guarantees a dry seat, also on rainy days.
