B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio has created a symbiotic urban furniture by using laminated bamboo attached to the urban fabric in Shenzhen, China.
Called Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project, the pieces were exhibited at the 9th Bi-city Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture in Shenzhen between December 11, 2022 and March, 2023.
While the pieces include chairs, benches, tables and other accessories hanged onto the wall, they all become a natural part of the urban space, which makes feel the visitors in their home.
The furniture on the stairs
B.L.U.E., a Japanese architecture design office based in Beijing, used laminated bamboo lumber and aluminum alloy as the main materials.
The office defines the project as “protrusions” in the urban fabric and believes that people can unleash their imaginations, thinking that the space does not serve a single purpose any more.
According to the studio, these are multifunctional spaces with temporary activities and in that moment, the sense, of life and home, is created through this urban furniture.
The shelf and information board hanged on the wall
“Most modern cities have gradually lost their local texture and “protrusions,” said the office.
“We have lost our ability to shape cities, and our lives have become regimented under efficient operating rules.”
“The interaction between people and cities is no longer as diverse as it used to be. With the decrease of individual activities, the transient sense of home has also disappeared,” the firm added.
The long table and benches relay on the stairs
The front legs of the furniture and tables are kept fixed, while the back parts are mounted on the existing stairs.
In addition to fixed furniture, timber planters for a piece of greenery, accessories and wooden shelves are designed with a geometry that complements each other.
The studio defines a symbiotic relationship as such: “when two creatures live together closely, one is gaining energy from the other, or they are benefiting mutually.”
The small table on the handrail
To meet people’s diverse requirements, the studio brings individual life and urban space together through designing new urban furniture.
The studio calls this multi-functional facility “Symbiotic Urban Furniture.” Through this furniture series, the designers hope to bring back a sense of home to urban public space.
The furniture relies on the urban spaces, and the urban spaces become lively because of the furniture.
The chair for individuals to stay alone
The studio exhibited the first version of “Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project” at UCCA Lab in Beijing. The second version was showed at the 9th Bi-city Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture in Shenzhen.
The main materials of the first version in Beijing were steel and walnut. Five different urban scenes were installed in the exhibition to show the symbiotic relationship between the furniture and the city.
“Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project” is in the section “More-than-Human Adventure” and the special section “Shelter for Urban Animals.”
The small bench for people to read and think alone
In “More-than-Human Adventure,” the furniture is on the outdoor stairs, offering space for people to enjoy the sunshine and meet new friends.
On the large stairs, a large table and a long table are for gathering. The long benches also offer space for people to sit together. If anyone wants to be alone, the individual chair and the small bench are the best choices.
When a handrail which people always pass by meets a small table hanged on it, the handrail becomes an attractive space for people to stop, stay, and have a cup of coffee. When the large rough column is embraced by a chair and a table board, it becomes popular.
A cat in the shelter
There is also a special section, called Shelter for Urban Animals. It is a shelter for people and cats relies on an easily ignored corner near the equipment of fire hydrant.
The corner becomes a comfortable space because of the furniture. The shelter embraces people and the lower space made of soft cloth is the comfortable home for cats. People and cats become “roommates” and good friends here.
The shelter in the city
After the opening, people use the furniture in their own way. They have a cup of coffee and enjoy food here. Also, some people sit and turn on their laptops to work on the tables.
Near them, someone is reading a book with music in the headphone. Occasionally, people who is painting can be found here.
The long bench for people to sit together
The large tables are great places for people to have a chat or unfold their maps to find the next destination. Also, here is a good choice to enjoy sunshine.
The bird view of the furniture
Different people meet each other here. Some of them start their first dialogue. Some of them are still enjoying individual time while they are sitting in the crowd. It is such a surprise that a lot of people take group photos here to keep this happy moment.
Laminated Bamboo Lumber keeps the natural feeling
Drawing
B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio previously completed Zolaism Café made of four hand-made, massive and organic stone structures in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province.
Project facts
Project Name: Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project
Project Type: Furniture for Exhibition
Project Location: 9th Bi-city Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture in Shenzhen
Design: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
Design Team: Shuhei Aoyama, Yoko Fujii, Shujie Xie, Shuokai Zhang, Di Ma, Qiyang Zhang (Intern), Ziying Bu (Intern)
Design Period: May, 2022-September, 2022
Manufacturing Period: September, 2022-November, 2022
Exhibition Period: December 11, 2022-March, 2023
Main Materials: Laminated Bamboo Lumber, aluminum alloy
All images © Anson (Araw Culture Communication).
All drawings © B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio.
> via B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
public space
urban furniture
