Challenge

In 2001, Capita Symonds was commissioned to develop an ongoing urban design concept to regenerate the public realm to the west of Blackburn town centre.

The proposals include improved traffic management, creation and improvement of civic and public spaces to reinforce townscape character and sense of place whilst acting as a catalyst for regeneration and redevelopment.

ASF worked closely with Capita Symonds to develop bespoke, co-ordinated seating for outside Blackburn Town Hall.

It was important that the products would be capable of withstanding the rigours of a busy city centre square and contribute to the sense of place that was part of the proposals.

Solution

By using three different materials and their contrasting properties, a co-ordinated bench and seat design was developed.

Manufactured with flame-finished silver grey granite pedestals, Iroko hardwood timber slats and steel brackets, the bespoke seats and benches are extremely durable. The fixings are made to be invisible or anti-tamper to deter vandalism.

ASF Cubist 150 bollards were also supplied for the project in the same flame-finished silver grey granite as the seat and bench pedestals to complement the design.

Outcome

The finished products fitted the architects designs and intention to use a certain type of granite.

The bespoke seating design enabled the project to be completed without any compromise to the envisaged flow and aesthetics.