Creating meeting places for today's public urban areas sounds like a simple task, but in reality it is a complex process that requires thoughtfulness and finesse. Vestre is one of the world's leading manufacturers of outdoor furniture for public environments and for the creation of Plinth, they chose to once again initiate a collaboration with Note Design Studio, which is known for its innovative and innovative design solutions.
When Note Design Studio received the brief from Vestre, they both quickly redefined the assignment to something more comprehensive for the cities of the future. Their design would not only consist of benches and tables - but rather be defined by the results of studies on how people actually spend time outdoors around the world.
- From a proud Norwegian point of view, Vestre wants to highlight the importance of meeting in nature. Norway's challenging climate, beautiful nature and the right to move freely is something we want to share and convey to the rest of the world. Vestre wants design to be used as a tool for positive change, a vision that we share with Note Design Studio and which has permeated the development of Plinth, says Jan Christian Vestre, CEO of Vestre.
The focus was on creating a flexible design with different levels that differs from a standard bench set-up, and which thus opens up new areas of use. Plinth's design is timeless, with clear hints of classic architecture, while at the same time having both a cocky expression and a simple shape that blends into all environments.
- The biggest challenge for us was to define what the future will look like, how it will shape our society and what society will need. Is the future something high-tech that we have all seen in movies? Or will we go back to a more analog society, where we seek each other's company and value the time we physically spend together? says Charlotte Ackemar, product designer at Note Design Studio.
Outdoor environments are now more important than anyone could ever foresee. In city parks, people from different cultures and backgrounds meet to socialize and meet in the way they used to do indoors. Vestre and Note Design Studio share the vision of encouraging and enabling design that is a tool for positive change. More people outdoors bring life to a city and Plinth is an encouragement to go out and meet more. To be together and share experiences with each other.