24 Proprietary landscape furniture
Observation
Walking around the site make a note of proprietary furniture. Are they all the same design, colour, material? Think about how the design and quality of the furniture can influence the user experiences? Consider the location of these elements? What are their functions? are there any movable furniture? What are the benefits of having movable furniture?
Design theory
Proprietary furniture generally are used for their functional use. Having a unified colour and material palette creates a sense of order. Although proprietary furniture such as bins, drinking fountains, bike racks, seats and picnic settings, are more functional they should carry the same language as the rest of the design. If street furniture is properly integrated in the design of a public space, it creates an identity and develops a sense of place around it. The furniture should be selected and set up based on an analysis of the site’s current and desired patterns of use, so it can serve its purpose effectively. (Street Furniture and Amenities: Designing the User-Oriented Urban Landscape By Gökçen Firdevs Yücel, 2013)
Movable furniture can give options to the visitors to sit in groups, or in pairs, and follow the sun or shade.
https://streetfurniture.com/white-paper-movable-seat/
Design precedents
The Krymskaya Embankment
http://landezine.com/index.php/2013/12/the-krymskaya-embankment-by-wowhaus/
Monash University Northern Plaza
Some of Australian manufactures: