The Palaver Bench

Urban Furniture

Venice, Italy

2023

Transforming Public Seating into a Space for Conversation

The Palaver Bench reimagines the humble park bench as a space for spontaneous social interaction and deeper conversation. Exhibited at the 2023 Architecture Biennale in Venice, this circular seating creates a space where friends, strangers, and acquaintances can easily engage in open dialogue. By turning the act of sitting into an invitation to connect, the project explores how design can democratize public spaces and foster inclusivity.

Curved bench under trees with a red structure in the background. — The curved, bracelet-shaped bench invites social interaction.

How can public furniture inspire connection in an era when social interactions are increasingly fragmented and digital? The challenge was to design a bench that doesn’t just provide a place to rest but encourages face-to-face conversation, while being sustainable and easily replicable.

urved wooden bench under tree canopy with people sitting and a cyclist nearby. — Creating a comfortable space for spontaneous conversations.

People sitting and interacting on a curved wooden bench under a tree canopy. — Fostering community interaction and connection.

Crafted from CNC-machined wooden offcuts, the Palaver Bench features a bracelet-like form that accommodates flexible seating arrangements. Users can choose to face inward for conversation or outward to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Its modular design is both ergonomic and foundation-free, making it adaptable to various settings. The laminated birchwood blends seamlessly with the natural site, while hidden steel supports ensure stability without overwhelming the design’s simplicity.

Two people sitting on the curved bench having a conversation. — A conversation on the Palaver Bench in Venice.

The Palaver Bench was developed through a process of iterative prototyping and material experimentation, ensuring ergonomic comfort and visual harmony.

A group of people sitting on a curved bench having a conversation. — Conversations being held on the Palaver Bench.

By fostering spontaneous conversations and supporting intentional outdoor classroom spaces, the Palaver Bench redefines the purpose of public seating, offering a counterpoint to the trend of removing benches to deter loitering. The installation highlights the value of shared spaces in a world where isolation has become more common.