In urban design, Yonoh Creative Studio has introduced a groundbreaking creation called ARE, a multifunctional version of the classic picnic table. Clara Del Portillo, the lead designer behind this innovative project, sought to reimagine and craft ultra-flexible street furniture that seamlessly adapts to the diverse lifestyles of urban dwellers. The result is ARE, a city-oriented interpretation of the picnic table that prioritizes flexibility, functionality, and adaptability to various urban scenarios.
Clara Del Portillo's Vision for Urban Flexibility
ARE stands as a testament to the creative vision of Clara Del Portillo and Yonoh Creative Studios, earning recognition through the Prize Design for Modern Furniture + Lighting 2023 by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design. This accolade underscores the significance of ARE as a transformative piece of urban furniture, catering to the evolving needs of modern city life.
At the core of ARE's design philosophy is multifunctionality. Del Portillo and her team envisioned street furniture that goes beyond the traditional roles of seating and dining. The modular nature of ARE allows for the creating entirely personalized seating and table systems, whether in relaxation mode or optimized for work. It is a dynamic meeting place adaptable to many urban situations, whether for standing or sitting, contemplating the landscape, dining, resting, or working.
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One key feature of ARE is its connectivity, offering the potential to create urban workstations. The absence of legs on the sides between the seat and the table enhances the versatility of installation on benches, ensuring that ARE seamlessly integrates into diverse urban environments. This connectivity aspect aligns with the changing dynamics of urban workspaces, where flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
The higher version of ARE incorporates a horizontal bar that serves as a footrest, adding an extra layer of comfort and functionality. This thoughtful design element enhances the overall user experience, making ARE not just a piece of furniture but a well-conceived urban solution.
The Ingenious Features of ARE
To ensure the longevity of this multifunctional urban picnic table, Yonoh Creative Studio opted for a combination of powder-coated steel and hardwood. This strategic choice contributes to the aesthetic appeal of ARE and ensures durability, making it suitable for the rigors of urban environments. The fusion of robust materials reflects Yonoh Creative Studio's commitment to creating street furniture that withstands the test of time.
The ARE tables are designed from two combinable elements: a high-element ARE (H) and a low-element ARE (B). Each element consists of a table and a bench, allowing for various configurations based on the specific needs of the urban space. This modular approach adds another layer of adaptability, enabling city planners and designers to tailor the arrangement of ARE to suit the unique characteristics of different locations.
In conclusion, ARE by Yonoh Creative Studio represents a paradigm shift in urban furniture design. Its modular design, connectivity features, and multifunctional nature make it adaptable to modern urban environments. Urban living needs are constantly changing, and creative solutions like ARE open the door to an increasingly dynamic and flexible urban environment. ARE, which has recently gained recognition in the design community, has the potential to become a symbol of urban ingenuity that will improve public spaces and redefine how we interact with our environment.
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