DIAC’s Design Impacts Framework demonstrates how design interventions create positive impacts that can be assessed and measured. This case study is exemplary of the five critical impacts of design in the Framework.
Architects: Gregory Rubin - Poiesis Architecture
Project Size: N/A
Project Completion: 2020
The S-Bench and Prairie Garden project reimagines a public seating area designed specifically to enhance accessibility, promote social engagement, and integrate ecological sustainability. The project aims to provide a multifunctional space where older adults and other members of the community can gather, rest, and interact with nature while promoting well-being and enhancing the urban landscape.
1. VISION: Design Embodies the Vision
The core vision was to create a public space that seamlessly integrates seating, accessibility, and ecological elements in a way that is welcoming and inclusive for older adults. The design achieved this by incorporating deep, comfortable seating, a gentle ramp for accessibility, and a surrounding garden that enhances the natural environment. The S-Bench serves as a central meeting point within an urban park, encouraging interaction and providing a moment of respite for those walking through the area. By blending the design with the natural surroundings and respecting the original urban context, the S-Bench successfully embodies the vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and engaging public space.
2. FUNCTIONALITY: Design Enhances Functionality
The main functionality of the S-Bench was to provide a comfortable, accessible, and functional seating area for public use. The bench design incorporates a deep seating arrangement to accommodate people of all ages, especially older adults, who often seek spaces that are comfortable and easy to use. The surrounding garden was carefully planned to create a natural, engaging space that fosters social interaction. A ramp was added to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, making the space usable by a broader demographic. Feedback from early users confirmed that the design allowed for easy interaction and provided a comfortable, non-clinical environment for both rest and social engagement. The integration of the garden was also key to enhancing the functionality, as it provided not only aesthetic value but also environmental benefits.
3. BRAND: Design Creates Brand
The design of the S-Bench and Prairie Garden project is consistent with the broader brand values of Poiesis Architecture, which emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and community-building. The design does not seek to impose a distinct brand identity but rather aims to integrate the bench and garden into the existing urban landscape in a subtle yet effective way. By using natural materials such as Accoya wood and native plant species, the design enhances the brand's reputation for environmentally conscious and user-centric public spaces. The minimalist approach to the bench’s design—focused on comfort, accessibility, and environmental integration—further reinforces the brand's commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, without drawing undue attention to themselves.
4. ENVIRONMENT: Design Embeds Environmental Benefits
The environmental benefits of the S-Bench and Prairie Garden project are central to its design. The use of sustainable materials, such as Accoya wood, ensures durability and minimizes the environmental impact of the structure. The garden surrounding the bench features native plants that support local biodiversity and require minimal maintenance, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. The design of the space also incorporates regenerative ecological practices, where plants are allowed to grow naturally, providing food for wildlife and supporting pollinator activity. The focus on sustainability extends to the integration of natural elements, which helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provides a cooling effect for users, particularly in the summer months.
5. HEALTH & WELLBEING: Design Promotes Health and Wellbeing
The S-Bench and Prairie Garden project prioritizes the health and wellbeing of older adults by providing a comfortable, accessible public space where individuals can rest, engage with nature, and interact socially. The design enhances mental and physical well-being by offering a safe, non-clinical space for rest and interaction. The surrounding garden not only beautifies the area but also improves air quality and creates a sense of calm and connection to nature. Feedback from users indicated that the space helped reduce social isolation by offering opportunities for spontaneous social interaction. Additionally, the bench's accessibility features make it an inclusive space that encourages physical activity, such as walking to and from the bench, contributing to overall health.
Conclusion
The S-Bench and Prairie Garden project exemplifies how thoughtful urban design can enhance public spaces, promote social interaction, and contribute to environmental sustainability. By integrating comfortable seating with accessible design and ecological elements, the project provides a functional and welcoming space that enhances the well-being of the community, particularly older adults. The design sets a new standard for how public spaces can contribute to health, accessibility, and environmental consciousness while blending seamlessly into the existing urban fabric.
