Interkultur Ruhr is a socio-political project trying to elevate the diverse cultural program in the Ruhr area through artist cooperations, discursive events and promotion funds.
They approached us with the need for an object that could be used for panel talks and communal gatherings around the Ruhrgebiet. Furthermore the object should stay as an artefict of the Interkultur project phase in the townhall of Essen.
The idea and form of the Pangea Continent, which Interkultur used as a logo and a speculative space to question the notion of origin and culture, became the basis of our design. In becoming a 5×4m large bench the shape of the Pangea continent creates a distinct place for communicative activites. The complex shape creates different situation of sitting adjacent or behind each other, a microscopic reflection on the reciprocal relation between objects and social relations.
The bench is constructed from massive water-cut birch wood and paper tubes to balance robustness and mobility and ensure sustainability. Put together from eight pieces, each piece sized to be carried by two persons. The individual pieces are connected with durable dovetail wood joints.
Design of a public furniture in the shape of a future supercontinent: The Pangaea bench. Meant to be a place to connect, explore and learn. A project in cooperation with Interkultur Ruhr. Featuring lighting that interacts with passersby and greets anyone who sits down for a rest.
