Problem

As cities become more crowded, the need for open spaces where people can relax and enjoy nature becomes increasingly important. However, many urban parks and public spaces lack adequate seating, leaving visitors to sit on the ground or bring their own chairs. This can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially for elderly or disabled individuals.

Our team recognized this problem and set out to create a solution that would provide comfortable seating for all park visitors.

Learn more about our project here.

Solution

We developed an innovative urban open space sitting arrangement that is responsive in nature. Our design consists of a series of benches that are equipped with sensors and actuators, allowing them to adjust their shape and position based on the needs of the user.

For example, if someone with limited mobility needs extra support, the bench can adjust its height and angle to provide more stability. If a group of friends wants to chat face-to-face, the benches can reconfigure themselves into a circle or semicircle. And if someone wants to lie down and soak up some sun, the benches can flatten out into a comfortable lounge chair.

Impact

Increased accessibility for elderly and disabled park visitors by X%
Improved comfort for all park visitors by X%

"Our new urban open space sitting arrangement has had an incredible impact on our community. It's amazing to see how much more time people are spending in the park now that they have comfortable, responsive seating options."

Team

Team Member #1 - Industrial Designer
- Designed and prototyped the benches
- Worked with electrical engineers to integrate sensors and actuators into the design
Team Member #2 - Software Engineer
- Developed the software that controls the bench movements
- Tested and debugged the system to ensure reliability and safety

Innovative Seating Solution Enhances Urban Parks