Breaking away from the traditional bench proves to be a Scandinavian design success

Artform Urban Furniture’s partner, Out-sider has released a new range of seating following the success of the Plateau Picnic Table. The range includes a backed seat, a backless bench, a wall mounted bench plus the addition of a side table to each bench design. 

The furniture and design company out-sider were pioneers when they challenged the status quo back in 2016 taking on a bold new design approach to the classic table/bench set. They have now taken on the traditional bench & seat. 

It turned out that out-sider were not the only ones to feel that the traditional picnic tables and benches were in need of a design makeover. The launch of Plateau has been a particularly popular venture, as the new approach outshines traditional furniture when it comes to user-friendliness, durability and aesthetics with its almost graphic look. Managing Director of out-sider, Ib Mogensen, explains:

“We have seen huge demand for Plateau since launching the products. It was clear to us that the market needed fresh inspiration, and that is what we were aiming to provide. This outdoor furniture has unexplored potential in many ways, and so we are delighted to now be expanding it into a whole product family.”

Out-sider worked together with Holscher Design to launch several new products in the Plateau family. The range of benches is designed for everyone who uses the urban space. For instance, you can position a pram right beside you next to the bench, and wheelchair users can also sit around the picnic table with everyone else. The designer responsible also points out that the access point in the seating is an advantage.

“We want to communicate that our furniture provides space for all, and supports diversity in society. We also aspired to encourage more informal interaction, with a configuration that allows several groups of people to sit at the same bench,” explains Stig Myler, who is a senior project manager and partner at Holscher Design.

Plateau has been created with strong roots in the Scandinavian design tradition. Its stringent look yields a timeless impression, and its Nordic functionality is underpinned by the fact that the product requires no maintenance. It has been produced from a sustainable material known as HPL (High Pressure Laminate), which in its basic form is 50 sheets of compressed recycled paper. Since the material was initially developed for building façades, it is amazingly hard-wearing and designed to withstand the elements 365 days a year with an expected lifetime of 30+ years. This furniture, which boasts a different and more lasting design than other benches in the urban landscape, has two main focal points: sustainability and social interaction.

Find out more about the new Plateau Products here 

Bailey Street Furniture Group’s vision is clear – to design, manufacture and install better commercial outdoor spaces with stunning street furniture. For more information please contact the team on 01625 322346 or email enquiries@bsfg.co.uk. To view the company’s range of high quality street furniture visit their website www.bsfg.co.uk