This project – a modular seating unit that can anchored to poles and other similar vertical structures –   was developed by David Harrison, Julio Medina, and Anastasia Podolskaya as part of an urban issues class at NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD) in San Diego, Calif.

“Social Symbiosis is designed as a platform for prototyping a symbol of a larger network towards community interaction. The modules act as a social hub, as it attaches to the existing landscape; thus eliminating any need for structural infrastructure."

Originally developed for use in a residential-industrial section of San Diego (in Barrio Logan), the students have since created an alternate proposal for using the benches  to commemorate the Balboa Park 2015 Centennial Celebrations in San Diego.

Demonstrating the design's flexibity of use, the original concept aims to foster greater social interaction and connectivity between the residential and industrial zones along San Diego’s Barrio Logan area. As explained by the students: "Barrio Logan is an urban laboratory for community redevelopment...There is a harsh edge condition between the residential zones and the industrial zones. The specific site was chosen to provide a platform for prototyping a symbol of a larger plan to merge the two dramatically varying grains. It creates an area for the industrial employees and the neighborhood inhabitants to relax and enjoy a public space dedicated to infecting public access into the industrial zones, creating a symbiotic relationship between the urban resources, the people, and the waterfront.”

Watch a video (below) provided by the team about their design. The team is available to discuss their project with the community, and to consider other applications of their design.  Contact NSAD Public Relations Department at 619-684-8791 for more information about this project and others that have a positive impact on our communities. NSAD offers graduate and undergraduate architecture programs, construction management programs, and new design programs in interior design, product design and digital arts. Learn more: http://www.newschoolarch.edu/programs.html