Header: Tomas Rubin
Developed by the Innovation Laboratory at the Klokner Institute CTU in Prague, Bench X is a 3D-printed concrete bench designed for public spaces that combines seating, planting, and drainage into a single piece. Installed in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic, the bench was created by designers Katerina Goryczka and Oto Melter in collaboration with CASUA and the Klokner Institute.
About the design process
While the bench appears contemporary, its form was actually inspired by local Gothic architecture, which is loosely referenced in the structural elements and detailing found in nearby buildings.
The bench features built-in planters, providing a way to introduce greenery into hard-surfaced areas without the need for separate structures. As an extra bit of innovation, the seating surfaces are not only shaped for comfort but also include simple drainage, so they stay usable even in rain.
The use of 3D-printed concrete enabled the designers to work with more sculptural geometry, eliminating seams and joints while producing the bench as a single, seamless object. This approach also enables the beach to be utilized for an extended period, particularly in outdoor settings.
