The design of the bench went through many iterations. The studio created a design with a series of flat plywood “blades” that get nested vertically into a lighted base, so the whole thing will glow like a lantern at night. Each blade is a completely unique shape, making the overall sculptural form complex and subtly curving. But the technology to machine cut those blades and the technique of inserting them are pretty simple, La said.
The result is a textured, sophisticated piece of furniture that is a breeze to make and put together (and disassemble and reassemble, too, by the way). It is inherently welcoming and can support all kinds of sitting, both intimate and solitudinous. It even has a spot suitable for naps or yoga, La says.
Resembling innovative forms of urban benches in places like Hong Kong, could the “Drift” become a mainstay of public space in Milwaukee? Go sit and see what you think.
This week's Design Ideas column was inspired by artist Mary Osmundsen who posted an image on Pinterest of the "Urban Adapter," a bench designed by Rocker Lange Architects for Hong Kong. That undulating bench reminded me of the "Drift," which I'd seen installed at UWM. Osmundson is one of 25 design-minded Milwaukeeans helping me brainstorm ideas for this column on Pinterest. Thank you Mary! Check out the archives of recent Design Ideas columns.