SMILE BENCH

SMILE BENCH

M U LT I D I S C I P L I N A RY O F F I C E O F D E T R O I T

ABOUT THE SMILE BENCH “Precisely because physical devastation on such a huge scale boggles the mind, it also frees the imagination… to perceive realities anew; to see vacant lots not as eyesores but as empty spaces inviting the viewer to fill them in with other forms, other structures that presage a new kind of city which will embody and nurture new life-affirming values in sharp contrast to the values of materialism, individualism, and competition”. (Grace Lee Boggs, The Next American Revolution) It is in Boggs’ spirit that we configure the interstitial space between the fence and the sidewalk, imbuing this ‘valueless’ real estate – as dictated by the capital market – with a different kind of value. We are greatly influenced by the works of activists, community groups, and residents who have invested in this ‘valueless’ real estate – in the forms of worn homes and vacant lots.

Out of necessity, they have practiced informal urbanism in these unserviced neighborhoods to reclaim privatized enclosures from the market, projecting and filling these spaces with a better future.

We see infinite possibilities in breaking down the barrier between the private and the public, taking an overlooked but ubiquitous component of the urban landscape to produce new public spaces. Thus, SMILE BENCH distills not economic value, but value in the form of new socialities and cohesion. It becomes a new way to inhabit the city, to find sacredness in a temporary space that is activated by the imagination of the users.

We hope the SMILE BENCH has the potential to not only brighten someone’s day, but also disrupt fenced borders to unify neighborhoods and improve the public realm both physically and socially.

Upright Position: Bench in its stored position sits upright and locked onto the face of the fence. In this position, it does not obstruct the street or intrude when not needed – but, instead provides a heartwarming icon for passers-by to enjoy.

Deployment: The process of lowering the bench is simple and userfriendly. The regulated pulley allows for the slow and controlled deployment of the bench, which simply locks into place when finished.

Finished Product: Once secured into place, the possibilities of the bench are endless!

SMILE BENCH PROGRAMMING The SMILE BENCH can be adopted to a variety of purposes, with adaptations conceptualized by the users. We have provided some ideas for the bench’s use, to be carried out with support from community partners. We’re excited to see what new uses people come up with!

POP-UP THEATRE From children’s sock puppet shows to short skits, a busker’s open mic to a poetry reading – the bench offers a space of experimentation, lowering the barrier to performance where an artist can interact with an impromptu audience.

OUTDOOR STORY TIME / BOOK CLUB Scheduled book club or outdoor story time encourages families and residents to connect through education and play.

From interactive stories to in-depth discussions, both adults and children can engage their imagination while spending time outdoors.

BENCH PAINTING AND INSTALLATION

ACTIVISM STATION

To raise awareness of the project, we propose a partnership with community organizations to host a block party and design contest. At this event, residents can learn more about the SMILE BENCH and find ways to participate in making a new public space for the neighborhood – from signing up to construct the bench to volunteering at different programs.

The involvement of residents is vital to making the bench unique to each neighborhood, while fostering pride in its creation.

Whether you want to register voters or give out pamphlets about sustainable food practices, the possibilities for the the bench-as-information booth typology are limitless. The bench’s occupation of the sidewalk heightens visibility and allows for greater participation from passers-by, transforming the bench into a platform for deliberation, social change, and education.

PUBLIC TRANSIT SEATING

MEET UP!

There is a noticeable lack of seating for public transit around Detroit, and thus, the SMILE BENCH would fill a gap in civil provision. Its fold-up, unobtrusive nature allows for wider implementation, as it can be adapted to fit narrower sidewalks. This makes public transit, a service relied upon by many residents, more accessible and attractive.

From serendipitous conversations to neighborhood forums, the bench provides a space for interaction and civic engagement. Whether you strike up a conversation with a stranger or a group decides to meet outside on a nice day, users raise awareness around how a fence can be repurposed from a divider to a unifier. The curved design lends itself to allowing users to organically engage in conversation.

P O S S I B L E PA I N T S C H E M E S The following are mock-ups of possible ideas of how the bench can be decorated. However, we invite each neighborhood to participate and vote on designs, in order to make the SMILE BENCH reflect the spirit of the community.

Paint Schemes

Solid Color, Weathertreated Lacquer

Commission local artist to paint in the spirit of the neighborhood

Provide means for everyone to participate and leave their mark on the bench, fostering a sense of ownership

LED light to create safe well-lit spacesand make up for lack of street lighting

Mirrored Panels to reflect the city around it, and provide a place for much needed selfies

Awning to shield users from the elements.

Uses for Eyes

S M I L E B E N C H T E C H N I C A L S C H E M AT I C S High weight capacity steel tension wire to adhere to fence post and reinforced steel plate at underside of bench

High weight capacity stainless steel pulley; Pulley controlled to limit speed and ease of use for less-abled users; Pulley to be located at each post

6” Heavy-duty stainless steel hinge bolted into routed slot; Painted to match bench; Hinge attached to clamp on support bar

6” Heavy-duty stainless steel hinge bolted into routed slot; Painted to match bench; Hinge attached to clamp on support bar

Eyes to be constructed of plywood and securely latched to fence structure; Painted to match bench

1 ½” Structural steel support bar, to be clamped to both fence posts, as well as the bench hinge

½” Structural steel plate to be adhered to underside of bench and receive tension wire

½” Structural steel plate to be adhered to underside of bench and receive tension wire

2” Plywood bench to be painted and weather-treated for optimal long-term use

½” Structural steel plate to be adhered to underside of bench and receive tension wire

MULTIDISCIPLINARY OFFICE OF DETROIT The Multidisciplinary Office of Detroit is a young team of two.

Evan Bruetsch and Jody Liu − trained as an architect and urban planner, respectively − are interested in exploring alternative urban practices. They are excited by the use of design to critically engage in urban issues, foster social relations, and produce new sites of micro-resistance and micro-politics.