October’s monthly theme here on Designer Pages Media is public spaces, which we define as any space where you are allowed to sit without a security guard kicking you out. Here are the top ten benches we’d like to find ourselves relaxing in during Public Space October.

1. Trapecio
DESIGNER: Antonio Montes and Montse Periel
MANUFACTURER: Landscape Forms
PRICE: Inquire for pricing
32″d x 27″h x212″I

This sculptural bench is two long, offset blocks of Alaska Yellow Cedar. The result is a new aesthetic for outdoor public seating with no finishes applied after sanding, which means zero maintenance.

2. Drift bench
DESIGNER: Amanda Levete
MANUFACTURER: Established & Sons
PRICE: $12,500
113.4"l x 34.3"d x 16.5"h

This bench was inspired by a piece of drift wood, but is far from it. Made of cement and crushed white limestone with sealer, this looker is suitable for permanent outdoor use.

3. Flower
DESIGNER: SANAA
MANUFACTURER: Vitra
PRICE: $2,200
52 1/4″ x 47″ x 15 3/4″

Flower bench by Japanese architects SANAA is an organically shaped exercise in group seating. Shaped to facilitate both conversation and privacy, this design was released in 2010, but had been commissioned for projects as early as 2001.

4. Rian RTA
MANUFACTURER: Semigood Design
PRICE: $795
40″ l

This cantilever bench is handmade in Seattle by Semigood Design out of FSC certified wood.

5. Brit Bench
DESIGNER: Simon Pengelly
MANUFACTURER: Leland International
PRICE: $7,880

The Brit Bench, by British designer Simon Pengelly, can be used as a stand alone feature or linked together to form molecular like arrangements.

6. Momo bench
MANUFACTURER: Offi
PRICE: $799
16 D x 16 H x 47 W

This bench is harmony, made from molded plywood with walnut or birch veneer and formed steel legs, it is shaped but not ornamented and beautiful in its simplicity.

7. Bank Bench
DESIGNER: Love Arben
MANUFACTURER: ICF
PRICE: Inquire for pricing
17.3″w 61.4″l 16.9″h

This bench has a 45 degree radius and is designed to wind and curve its way through any public space. The bench must be ganged, otherwise is unsteady on its own.

 

8. Tantus
DESIGNER: Gary Lee
MANUFACTURER: Cumberland
PRICE: $2,575
48″w x 22″d x 18″h

This luxurious number is perfect for lobbies and indoor meeting spaces that have the need for both bench seating and a touch of class.

9. Bench Rack
DESIGNER: Matt Gray
MANUFACTURER: C.H. Briggs
PRICE: Inquire for pricing

This bench was the result of a collaboration between The Savannah College of Art and Design's furniture design department and C.H. Briggs. SCAD M.F.A. furniture design student Matt Gray of Dallas, Texas, created theBench Rack, a bench and bicycle rack in one that implements the use of DuPont Corian Solid Surface.

10. 90 Degree
MANUFACTURER: Hightower
PRICE: $Price
W 70 3/4 x D 19 3/4 x SH 17 3/4

This colorful bench is made from all regionally sourced materials from High Point, North Carolina and has a recycled steel infrastructure and seat support.

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