Network Rail and LFA reveal thought-provoking bench designs in London Bridge Station
‘Sitting on London’s Clay’ by Local Collective Studio and and ‘Reclaim, Re-invent, Re-purpose’ by Atelier La Juntana are part of a series of playful and thought-provoking bench designs placed in some of London’s largest stations, following a design competition organised by the LFA and Network Rail.
Local Collective’s seating uses London clay – a natural material found beneath Londoners’ feet – to offer a social furniture that is breathable and sustainable. The bench’s modular system offers different arrangements, while the materiality of clay improves indoor air quality by absorbing humidity and toxins. In response to climate change, Sitting on London’s Clay encourages a re-think about centuries-old construction techniques and materials.
This bench by Armor Gutiérrez Rivas, Atelier La Juntana takes inspiration from the complex relationships between railway lines, stations and the cities they serve. The design treats reclaimed timber track sleepers with steam bending and digital CNC forming techniques, creating geometries that recall snaking railway lines, and offers a modular system allowing multiple configurations in different settings. Hear more about the project here.