Whether it's custom molded concrete (M Bench), crushed and formed limestone (Cementum Light), or the circular-sanded stainless steel of Chris Howker's Dip and Double Dip, designers have discovered the versatility of pewter. Or the versatility of that particular shade, I should say. Each of these products exudes an industrial edge and a minimalist simplicity that makes them immensely appealing, especially if the digs you're outfitting is long and narrow, or, potentially, as wide as the great outdoors. All three do double duty indoors or out, and the twin subjects of this post-Howker's Dip and Double Dip benches for B&B Italia-seem particularly apropos for blending into the surroundings, as it were, and providing a stylish place to perch and admire the sights.

Dip and Double Dip. Designed by Chris Howker for B&B Italia.

Said sights could be an exposition of industrially-themed art, as might be seen at Western MA's avant-garde MassMoca, or a particularly resonant sunset, as might be seen in your very own backyard. Either scenario would work well with Howker's elongated, undulating, and sculptural Bench, which B&B says is ideal for "galleries, corridor areas, atriums, and other controlled public spaces." For that matter, Dip and Double Dip might belong in "uncontrolled public spaces" as well, or maybe "controlled public spaces done up to create an illusion of chaos."

Because the versatility of Dip and Double Dip is such that it would make a perfect vantage from which to sit and watch the apocalypse (or, just to clarify, an art exhibit of apocalyptic bent). This isn't just because the piece's principal material might be resourcefully salvaged from the detritus (a sheet of 1.5mm thick steel), but also because it looks like it would endure, no matter what calamities should come its way. Placed alongside some of Chris Rucker's work with OSB, Dip and Double Dip would make the ideal post-chic/industrial/dreamscape tableaux.

Dip and Double Dip. Designed by Chris Howker for B&B Italia.

Double Dip. Designed by Chris Howker for B&B Italia.

Dip. Designed by Chris Howker for B&B Italia.