I Respectfully Recline
We’ve always noticed something peculiar about the benches that line the ΟΔΚ fountain on McKeldin Mall. Though they are indeed benches, we have spotted more people reclining on them than sitting up straight. We doubt the bench designers intended this.
Had these benches been installed in a less serene and open location (beside a street, for instance) they would not have become the favorite of blanket-poor sunbathers. Still, the low, backless design and quiet placement make these benches among the better designed elements of public streetscape we’ve ever seen.
When the university puts the finishing touches on the East Campus development, we know that a few chic, well-placed benches will enhance the intended urban atmosphere.
Below: These new benches—chairs, actually—on the District side of Friendship Heights recently caught our eye.
Click here to view our interactive project map
December 12th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
[…] Supply a variety of benches and umbrella-equipped tables. The square should accommodate all recreational uses, from sunbathers to scriptwriters. We have already written a post on benches that invite peculiar uses, and these types of benches should be mixed in with tables for people with more pressing work to do. Benches should suit all types of uses including face-to-face orientations. […]