Interview about Manga Sitting Bench, winner of the A' Garden and Outdoor Furniture Design Award 2022
Urban elements contribute to giving cities a human scale, identity, and collective meaning. The design idea for the Manga Bench starts from the maritime context, a place for which it has been designed, using technology and materials typical of nautical engineering. Inspired by marine life it is capable of awakening emotions in urban and natural environments. The purity of the lines and the roundness between planes of the Manga Bench, reinforce the brightness and textures typical of fiberglass and concrete. When the bench is not occupied, its soft undulating shapes make it a sculptural element.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsOne specific influence was the concept of biomimicry, where we studied how marine organisms optimize their structures for fluidity and resilience. For example, the bench's backrest echo the sinuosity of the fins and the wavy shapes mimic the forms created in the water.For us, any natural element has a weight in the space that should not be lost, and the formal abstraction of these elements allows us to transmit intangibles to a product by conveying an idea.
The relationship between fibreglass and the marine world is a direct one, as the hulls of ships are mainly made of this material, for its strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, such as UV exposure and humidity. Its malleability allowed us to achieve the sculptural, undulating forms that are central to the bench's aesthetic, reflecting the fluidity of marine life.Sustainability is one of the company's values, together with technology and high-level design.We believe in improving the quality of life of society and, from our point of view, this involves the pedestrianisation of cities and the increase of public places that favour interaction between people and have a positive influence on the psychology of the people who live in them.
Balancing the technical requirements of comfort with the vision for an emotionally resonant urban sculpture in the Manga Sitting Bench required a meticulous design approach. We aimed to create a piece that was not only functional but also deeply engaging, encouraging users to pause, reflect, and connect with their surroundings.From an ergonomic standpoint, the bench’s curved profile was carefully modeled to provide natural lumbar support and accommodate various seating postures. By studying human biomechanics and the way people interact with public seating, we developed dimensions and angles that promote comfort for users of all ages and body types. Prototypes were tested extensively to ensure that the bench feels as good as it looks.On the sculptural side, we drew inspiration from the organic undulations of marine life, which lend the bench its fluid, wave-like form. These flowing shapes invite curiosity and interaction, making the bench more than a seating solution—it becomes a focal point within the urban landscape. The interplay of shadows and light across its surface transforms it into a dynamic presence that evolves throughout the day.The integration of these elements was achieved by adopting parametric design tools, which allowed us to precisely balance ergonomics with artistry. This ensured that the sculptural aesthetic did not compromise the technical comfort or usability.
The Manga Sitting Bench journeyed from a seed of maritime inspiration to an award-winning design, blending artistry and practicality at every stage.1. Initial Inspiration: The Ocean's FluidityThe project began with a deep dive into the forms and movement of marine life. Observing the undulating curves of ocean waves, the sleek profiles of aquatic creatures, and the organic flow of driftwood on shores, we envisioned a bench that would echo these natural rhythms. The goal was to create a seating solution that felt as much like a sculpture as a functional piece of urban furniture, capturing the essence of water’s movement and life’s interconnectedness.2. Concept Development: Balancing Form and FunctionDuring the concept phase, we explored how to translate this organic fluidity into a modular and ergonomic design. Sketches and 3D renderings helped us refine the signature curves that define the bench, ensuring it would provide both aesthetic appeal and practical comfort. This stage was critical to ensure that the sculptural ambition did not compromise usability or accessibility.3. Prototyping: Perfecting Ergonomics and ModularityPhysical prototypes allowed us to test and adjust the ergonomic profile, ensuring it was comfortable for users of all shapes and sizes. The modular system was also refined, allowing flexibility in its configuration—straight lines, curves, or even circular layouts—making it adaptable to diverse urban contexts.4. Final Realization: A Sculpture for Public SpacesThe final design balances its dual roles as an artistic landmark and functional urban furniture. Its fluid forms invite interaction and contemplation, transforming ordinary spaces into dynamic environments. Meanwhile, its lightweight, durable construction ensures it performs well in high-traffic and outdoor settings, maintaining its beauty over time.The Manga Sitting Bench encapsulates the harmony between natural inspiration, innovative materials, and thoughtful design, offering a compelling vision for how urban furniture can enrich public spaces both functionally and emotionally.
Overcoming the technical challenges of demolding the Manga Sitting Bench’s dynamic forms was a pivotal aspect of its design process, driving innovation and shaping its final structure. The undulating, fluid geometry of the bench presented unique complexities, particularly in ensuring the fiberglass layering and mesh reinforcement adhered seamlessly to the design’s sculptural intent while maintaining structural integrity.1. Designing for Demolding: Precision and AdaptabilityThe first challenge was to develop a mold system that could accommodate the bench’s complex curves without compromising its smooth, flowing surface. We adopted a multi-part mold strategy, where modular mold sections allowed for easy extraction after the curing process. This approach not only preserved the design's integrity but also minimized production waste.2. Fiberglass Layering TechniquesTo achieve the necessary strength-to-weight ratio, we employed a hand-layup process for fiberglass layering. This allowed precise control over the material’s thickness at critical points, particularly in areas of high stress or load-bearing. The layering followed the bench’s contours, ensuring that the finished piece maintained a seamless, polished appearance.
For our team, a beautiful element is one that can be in an environment and be so well integrated that it can go unnoticed, but on the other hand, when you perceive its presence it brings visual beauty in an ecosystem harmonised with the natural environment.We consider that with the Manga Bench these objectives have been achieved and this allows us to integrate the piece in different places, simply by modifying the material.
A product can be sustainable in different ways, by using recycled elements, by being a recycled element or by having a long life cycle. At QZ Urban Furniture, we try to act in as many ways as possible.The Manga Bench intervenes in sustainability by integrating recycled elements in its different compositions, whether in concrete or fibreglass, on the other hand, we offer concrete with the ability to absorb CO2, which has 30% recycled aggregate and can be more if required by the client.Our life cycle is very high, as fibreglass can be repaired as many times as you want and the durability is tremendously long, just like concrete.
The Manga bench’s design is rooted in the undulating curves of marine life and water movement, translating these natural elements into a sculptural presence. The flowing lines evoke the imagery of waves or the streamlined silhouettes of aquatic creatures, creating a dynamic form that draws the eye even when no one is seated. In QZ Urban Furniture we focous on this organic approach ensures the bench feels alive and connected to its surroundings, whether it’s a seafront, urban plaza, or park. The surface curvature of the bench plays with light and shadow throughout the day, giving it a constantly evolving appearance. This interaction enhances its sculptural quality, making it as engaging visually as it is functional. Whether illuminated by natural sunlight or ambient urban lighting, the bench transforms its environment into an interactive visual experience. The choice of the material, in this case fiberglass allowed for the precise molding of complex, sinuous forms that maintain structural integrity while appearing lightweight and fluid. The smooth, reflective surface of the fiberglass enhances its aesthetic appeal, while concrete—such as textured or matte effects—allow it to adapt to different design contexts without losing its artistic essence.
The Manga Sitting Bench serves as a beacon for the future of urban furniture, demonstrating that functionality and artistic expression need not be mutually exclusive. Its impact will likely inspire a new generation of designs that not only meet practical needs but also enrich public spaces with creativity, sustainability, and emotional resonance. By setting this example, the Manga Bench paves the way for a future where urban environments become more vibrant, thoughtful, and human-centric.
The development of the Manga Sitting Bench was a journey of exploration, revealing unexpected synergies between material, form, and function. These discoveries—ranging from the adaptability of fiberglass or concrete to the emotional resonance of organic design—shaped the bench into a piece that redefines urban furniture as both a functional asset and a work of art.
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