Context

This project was part of the refurbishment of the Polygon in Clapham and included removal and replacement of the existing seating area. This involved the removal of an old structure that was on the site and, as the plan came together, it was decided that a long, curved bench would be the main feature of this design project.

Design and manufacturing

Public Spaces was called on to put together the plans and factory drawings for the bench. The frame was designed in stainless steel and left in a brushed format for easy maintenance. It has a seat clearance of 300mm to prevent build-up of leaves or waste under the bench. The timbers used are manufactured in a FSC hardwood and left to 'silver' naturally.

Public Outdoor Creations, one of the partners of Public Spaces, was given the task of manufacturing the bench at its facilities in the Netherlands, and the benches were made in 1200mm sections.

Delivery and installation

The 1200mm sections were brought to London from the Netherlands by truck with an onboard crane. Once on site, each section was lifted into position and placed in the correct order for installation.

The completed bench installation measures a total length of 23m, making it one of the longest self-supporting benches in London.

From start to finish the installation took only four and a half hours to complete.

Testimonial

Jack Hardy from Erect Architecture, said: "We quickly realised something special was required at Clapham Polygon - a long, continuous sweep to contain the corner of the space with a sociable inward-focus and an assured civic presence right on the periphery of the Common. The bench needed to elegantly satisfy all the stakeholder requirements; age fantastically without intensive maintenance; and crucially work within a tight horizontal tolerance over an impressive 23 metre length."

''At this stage we called Malcolm Broadstock of Public Spaces for advice on sourcing such a bench including designing and having it manufactured. Public Spaces came back to us several times with various options before presenting an option from Public Outdoor Creations a company from the Netherlands; they were able to tailor their proven furniture designs to our geometries, offering us updated visuals and technical information along the way."

"Public Spaces delivered within 4 weeks of mobilisation and worked very happily with the on-site contractors. The bench was erected in a matter of hours without issue; giving us one of those ‘’all-parties-happy’’ moments to conclude the build. ‘’We anticipate a long future for this bench and look forward to giving Malcolm Broadstock from Public Spaces similar sourcing and supply challenges in future!’’