The Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project Takes Back City Spaces

Diverse spaces help to enrich our daily lives, and when it comes to city living the importance of these opportunities only grow in importance. In a healthy city, people can freely use these amenities – parks, gathering areas, etc. – without constraint. Shenzhen/B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio developed the Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project to further unleash our imaginations by building “protrusions” into the existing fabric of city life. Seating, tables, and more are directly integrated into outdoor spaces where one can find privacy to read, write, or listen to their headphones, as well as a spot to gather and interact with others. In essence, they’re multifunctional spaces for temporary activities that hold value.

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

A symbiotic relationship is defined as “when two creatures live together closely, one is gaining energy from the other, or they are benefiting mutually.” In the Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project, city spaces and furniture hope to bring back a sense of home and belonging that’s missed more and more. The furniture relies on the spaces and the spaces are given a renewed purpose with the addition of the furniture.

Photo: Shujie Xie

Symbiotic Urban Furniture can be put to use in many ways and places, from a stool attached to the railing of a staircase or a large table for gathering paired with long benches. For individuals seeking solitude there’s the chair and small bench. No matter how the pieces are combined and used, they create a moment for people to stop, stay, and enjoy themselves however they choose.

Image: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

Photo: Anson (Araw Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)

To learn more, visit instagram.com/blue_architecturestudio.

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.

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