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Stop + Play With the Daydreamer Kinetic Musical Bench

01.04.23 | By
Stop + Play With the Daydreamer Kinetic Musical Bench

We’re never too old to take a few minutes to stop and play, which is what Daily tous les jours reminds us of with each of its projects. Daydreamer is a kinetic sculpture that brings together music and light to create a collective experience at Plaza Park in South Bend, Indiana. The gently rotating public benches are illuminated and accompanied by pleasant music as they turn with the user.

wooden bench with an overarching metal tube

Photo: Qure Agency

Meant to help create a moment of pause in busy public spaces, Daydreamer encourages a communal experience through its calming soundscape. Inspired by the repetitive movement of a rocking horse and a carousel, the benches each play music that creates harmonies when used simultaneously. Daydreamer, a permanent installation, is a sculptural musical instrument that anyone can play and enjoy.

illuminated wooden bench with an overarching metal tube

Photo: Qure Agency

Plaza Park’s custom-made Daydreamer includes three long benches that revolve, with each bench able to accommodate up to four people. Each is finished in white oak and a powder-coated aluminum arch with integrated LED lights. When someone sits on one of the benches and puts it in motion, a mechanism inside its pivot center creates a slow, rocking movement. At the same time, the music is triggered through a technical sync that merges analog and digital movements.

In October 2022, Daydreamer benches were awarded ‘Best Public Art Installation’ by HUB Montréal.

detail of illuminated wooden bench with an overarching metal tube

Photo: Qure Agency

wooden bench with an overarching metal tube and four children playing on it

Photo: Qure Agency

three benches outdoors in the snow

three benches outdoors in the snow with people sitting on them

three benches outdoors in the snow

benches outdoors in the snow with a person sitting on one

three benches outdoors in the snow with a person sitting on one

To learn more about Daydreamer, visit dailytouslesjours.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.