Context

Over the years Benchmark has supplied the University of Southampton with many items from its Centerline stainless steel street furniture range.

Due to the quality of its work the company was invited to come up with some fresh picnic table designs that would blend into the natural surroundings.

Requirement

The University of Southampton boasts a vibrant campus with diverse amenities, including the popular Café 28. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the campus environment and create comfortable gathering spaces for students and faculty, a project was undertaken to introduce new contemporary wooden and steel street furniture.

Solution

Benchmark put forward two relatively new designs, utilising a combination of FSC Iroko hardwood and a simple steel framework, that offer a sleek and modern touch.

Both items come from the company's Seven range, the X picnic table and Join Me bench, offering a picnic set that is both robust and elegant in form.

Outcome

The furniture has breathed new life into Café 28’s outdoor space, creating an inviting and attractive environment that encourages students, faculty and visitors to spend more time outdoors.

The introduction of outdoor seating has led to increased usage of the outdoor area, facilitating casual meetings, study sessions and social interactions.