For **wood and metal ergonomic park benches** in Tel Aviv, the design should combine natural warmth with modern durability while ensuring comfort for long periods of sitting. Here’s a detailed description of the design:
### **Materials**:
- **Wood**: Use durable, weather-resistant wood like **teak**, **acacia**, or **recycled wood**. The natural grain and warm tones of the wood create a welcoming, comfortable feel, ideal for the city's parks and green spaces.
- **Metal**: A powder-coated **steel** or **aluminum** frame, chosen for its durability, rust-resistance, and sleek appearance. The metal can be finished in neutral tones like matte black or dark gray, offering a contemporary aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the wood.
### **Ergonomic Design**:
- **Seat and Backrest Contours**: The bench would feature a **slightly curved seat** and backrest, designed to follow the natural contours of the body, providing support to the lumbar region and promoting good posture. The seat depth should be sufficient to support both the thighs and lower back comfortably.
- **Armrests**: **Slightly angled armrests** are incorporated to provide additional comfort and encourage people to relax. Made from metal or wood, the armrests can be designed with rounded edges for a soft touch.
- **Backrest Angle**: A **gentle recline** in the backrest angle (about 10-15 degrees from vertical) to allow users to lean back comfortably without straining.
### **Design Features**:
- **Clean, Simple Lines**: The design would favor **minimalist lines**, with a subtle contrast between the natural wood slats and the sleek metal frame. The simplicity ensures the bench fits naturally into various park settings, from more formal areas to casual green spaces.
- **Wide Seat Space**: To accommodate different users comfortably, the seat would be wider than average (about 50-60 cm), allowing for easy movement while seated.
- **Rounded Edges**: All edges and corners of the bench would be **softened** to prevent discomfort and to create a welcoming and safe environment for users of all ages.
### **Functional Additions**:
- **Built-In Planter Box**: A **planter box** integrated into the metal base of the bench would add greenery and vibrancy. The planter could hold local plants or flowers, connecting the bench to the surrounding environment and enhancing the park’s aesthetic.
- **Weather Protection**: The bench design incorporates a **weather-resistant finish** on both the wood and metal, ensuring that the materials can withstand Tel Aviv's hot, sunny days and occasional rain without deteriorating.
- **Side Compartments**: Small **side compartments** for storing personal items, like bags or books, could be added discreetly beneath the armrests or between the legs of the bench for additional practicality.
### **Sustainability**:
- The wood could be **sustainably sourced** or made from reclaimed materials to reduce environmental impact, in line with Tel Aviv’s growing interest in sustainability and eco-friendly design.
### **Aesthetic Touch**:
- The design would feature **smooth transitions** between wood and metal elements, such as the transition from the wooden seat to the metal legs, creating a harmonious balance between natural and industrial elements. The minimalist form would ensure it complements both urban and natural park environments.
This bench design, blending **ergonomics, natural materials, and sleek metal**, would create a functional yet beautiful seating option for Tel Aviv’s parks, enhancing public spaces while providing users with comfort and durability.
Status: Built
Location: Tel Aviv, IL
My Role: ARCHITECT