Spacon Studio and +Halle Encourage Mature Individuals to Engage in Play Opportunities within Public Areas, through ADP Bench Project
In the heart of Copenhagen, a city renowned for its innovative design, a unique piece of furniture has made its debut. The ADP Bench, a collaboration between architectural group Spacon Studio and company +Halle, is challenging assumptions about adult behavior in public spaces.
The ADP Bench is more than just a seat; it's a co-creator, allowing users to decide in real time how each piece should function. Each circular seat spins like a drummer's stool, catering to the irresistible urge to twist or adjust the seat. This spinning feature is intended to provide a moment of agency, discovery, and unexpected delight in a world of static public furniture.
The ADP Bench is furniture that adapts to the user rather than forcing the user to conform to its predetermined purpose. It can be converted into a makeshift table for coffee or other items, adjusted to various heights allowing users to find their perfect perch, and has a hybrid nature, transforming from low seating to standard bench height, high perch, or table surface with endless combinations in between.
The design of the ADP Bench taps into shared human triggers by encouraging playfulness. It was created as a result of +Halle's sixth Annual Briefing with the theme of "Playing". Good design, according to the ADP Bench, does not need to shout to make an impact.
Built from MDF and steel with blue zinc galvanized details, the ADP Bench comes in three available colours: Plum, Ivory, and Pale Lime. It is designed to be practical in public spaces as well as playful, offering a simple invitation for users to spin the seat.
The ADP Bench was designed based on behavioural research from the University of Southern Denmark, which reveals that adults have an innate urge to fidget, adjust, and experiment with their environment. This research forms the foundation of the ADP Bench's innovative design, making it a significant addition to the city's public spaces.
In Copenhagen, the ADP Bench is more than just a seat; it's a symbol of a playful revolution in public spaces, inviting users to engage, experiment, and interact with their environment in new and exciting ways.
