www.responsivedesign.de
KIDS BENCH
responsive design studio
Kids Bench ‘Kids bench’ is a flexible toy and furniture for kids and grownups designed by Manuel Kretzer and Christine Baumgartner. It consists of four abstract elements that can be assembled in different ways to form a diversity of seating options. Although there is no limitation in joining the elements the main composition possibilities consist of a horizontal and an angular bench as well as a seating chair.
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The bench not only challenges the creativity of the user and enhances logical thinking of both kids and adults, but also forms a beautiful piece of furniture for a variety of rooms and occasions.
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The creation of a three-dimensional piece with twodimensional elements minimizes storage space - when the bench is not in use - as well as the amount of necessary fabrication materials. It was elementary for the design and the success of the bench that it can be produced out of a single material -without the need of any extra fastening or fixing elements. The four parts are tightly arrayed so they can be cut out of large sheets with a minimum of waste.
40cm
111
,1c
m
7cm
28, cm 75
10
4c
m
m
57,7c
m
35,5c
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A wide range of materials and production methods can be applied as long as they provide a certain safety and stability. This freedom allows the support of local businesses and follows the studio’s concept of a sustainable consciousness.
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During a workshop in summer 2007 a first version of the bench was realized in laminated wood – a material that is very familiar to kids and can be processed with hand tools. Later a second version was made of honeycomb cardboard.
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Manuel Kretzer is an architect and designer from Germany. He studied architecture at the Universities of Dresden, South Australia and Karlsruhe, where he graduated in 2008 with an interactive pavilion for the Burning Man Festival. He worked as Research and Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Karlsruhe and later he was employed with Philip Beesley Architect Inc. in Toronto, Canada. Since March 2010 he works at the Chair of CAAD at the ETH in Z端rich. His focus lies on temporary, interactive art and architecture he has realized a number of large scale sculptures and installations.
Christine Baumgartner studied architecture and urban
design at the University of Karlsruhe (TU). She graduated with distinction at the Chair of Urban Planning and Design in 2008. During and after her studies she worked on architecture and landscape projects for offices in Durban, Basel and Toronto.
Publications and Press Reviews:
Links Books, Barcelona (06.2010) Design for Kids
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responsive design studio www.responsivedesign.de
info@responsivedesign.de
Manuel Kretzer, 2009