Hasta La Ideas

Sitting on a public bench in any number of New York City’s increasing green spaces is a revelation. For one, the diversity of these settings has become a hallmark for both residents and visitors to the City. Public benches come in the form of wooden chaise loungers on the abandoned railroad tracks of the Highline, Ignacio Ciocchini’s sleek laser-cut stainless steel CityBench popping up along Broadway, the iconic wooden slatted NYC Park benches in the solitude of Central Park or the more recent sprouting of cafe tables and folding chairs in the public plazas taking over the streets of New York.

Here’s your chance to be part of a great New York City tradition. The Battery Conservancy has announced a design competition for innovative, portable outdoor seating for The Battery. The 25-acre green space on the south tip of Manhattan overlooking New York Habor welcomes six million tourists annually. Juried by MoMA’s Paola Antonelli, the Campana Brothers, The New York Times‘ Allison Arieff, Founder of Design Within Reach and CEO of Public Bikes Rob Forbes, and Co-Founder and Director of Grupo de Diseño Urbano Mario Schjetnan, finalists work will be prototyped and showcased at the Design Miami/ fair. The winner will be awarded a US$10,000 prize and their design will be fabricated for use in the park. As Adrian Benepe, New York City Parks & Recreation Commissioner explains:

New York City is known for its innovative landscapes and we look forward to improving Battery Park with a great new design for outdoor seating. The Battery is New York City’s birthplace and as the original waterfront park, it has long served as a social hub and a place of arrival for newcomers. This creative competition will highlight ideas on how we can continue capturing the spirit of one of New York City’s most cherished landscapes and meeting places.

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