Utsikt bench
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
Utsikt is Swedish for view. The bench is a simple bench that can be put down in front of any type of nature. It is a way to highlight looking at our natural environment. It can be put in front of things like a little garden, plant, an old tree or in the middle of the forest. Over time it can become a symbol of our link with nature and a means to strengthen it. With free of use blueprints it can be built by anyone and put down wherever. It will be recognisable and spark curiosity.
Geographical Scope
Project Region
Urban or rural issues
Physical or other transformations
EU Programme or fund
Which funds
Description of the project
Summary
Humans might not notice the flower outside their front door on the way to work. But if that same flower is highlighted it might be perceived as beautiful and something to care for.
This project aims to create a deeper bond with nature for people mainly in and around cities.
The utsikt bench is a simple bench, buildable with basic materials from the hardware store. It can be put anywhere to get a view of nature. Nature old, big or small. It can be a crack in the pavement where a small bunch of weed has sprung up, or a garden tended by an gardener for years. It can be someones favourite view over the hills or a little green part of a concrete housing block. It is an object that would get us to stop in our tracks and notice what we have around us.
The leaf marked bench could over time become a symbol for viewing nature. Immediately recognisable and interacted with. With the free of use blueprints and simple construction it will inspire people to seek for experiences in nature. Possibly also protect what nature we have left in our world. It is an simple idea but sometimes, simplicity is what's needed. With the bench as a starting point a community could be created. The project aims to inspire many people but even granting a new experience and understanding of nature to a few people would be a success.
Key objectives for sustainability
This project aims to change peoples relationship with nature. The bench could be produced by any type of wood. The blueprint will uplift the use of natural sustainable wood and screws. Meanwhile the focus for this project is not on the kind of wood used in production of the bench but rather the view in front of it. As humans we care about what we understand and we notice. If the project can change the general appreciation of nature it will in the end lead to change in other areas where humans meet with it. It is a way to meditate on nature by viewing it.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The bench is small like a stool. It will provide a moment of tranquility with whoever is open to gazing out from it. You can sit on the bench for one minute or one hour. The blueprint will be available online free of use, it should consist of mostly pictures to break language barriers. Since buildable by anyone it is kept simple. It has clear goals, ease of use, ease of assembly and manufacturing, flexibility of placement.
Key objectives for inclusion
The bench is cheap to manufacture. Planks bought from the hardware store can be worked with a saw and a hammer. A big part of the project is the inclusion of other people. From an online platform people can share and encourage interaction with nature. The aim is to start a community with the bench as a base. Everyone, everywhere can join and be part of it. We are all equal in front of nature.
Physical or other transformations
Innovative character
Trough the bench we view and interact with nature. In the end we will feel more towards all things living. A will to start a community is included in the very base of this project. It is open to anyone and not limited to people with specific skillsets.
