KGPdesign studio

The inherent patterns surrounding us in nature and our manufactured surroundings are reflected in our activities and our daily interactions. Battery Park offers a break from the routine shared by urban dwellers and provides a chance to immerse oneself in a natural context. The orthogonal grid gives way to the fluid forms of the natural landscape. Perhaps ultimately, we crave the change to alter our surroundings and our interior "landscape" and outlook.

Sinusoid's form encourages an alternate pattern for assembling seating. The sine wave establishes an underlying dynamic means of integrating individual units. Paired units are bound by wrapped ribbons, gently unfolding to provide seating while wrapping up to create an enclosing perforated screen. This folding and unfolding is repeated throughout the landscape, creating a fluid pattern of seating, social assemblages, and opportunities.

The individual unit accommodates a range of positions from upright to inclined seating (at the fold in the wave), where the seat can double as a footrest. The short arm of the wave serves as a working or eating surface. This same arm extends as the linking appendage to the paired seating unit. The opposing waves offer the opportunity for the two users to socialize while screened by the opposite arms wrapping up and framing the double wave.

The fabricated painted 1/4″ rolled steel panels and integrated ribbon forms are inherently efficient in their structural properties. Perforations in the screen panels provide users with wind protection and a sense of privacy. A recessed caster allows the movement of individual units across the lawn. The form accommodates stacking of the units in a vertical position for storage.