zaha hadid: serac bench for lab 23
the resin quartz bench creates an interplay of light over its layered curves-- a form appropriated from ice formations in glacial crevasses.
‘serac bench’ by zaha hadid
image © jacopo spilimbergoimages courtesy of zaha hadid architects
for milan design week 2013, zaha hadid has paired up with product designers and planners at lab 23 to develop a series of urban sculptures for seating and resting. the fluid curves of the ‘serac bench’ bench appropriate the formal language of ice formations, while the sinuous strata recall the layered lines of intersecting glacial crevasses. the object meets the ground at the crest of two sweeping curves that envelope a stepped void. the tectonic choice of resin quartz, a durable engineered stone, allows the filler crystals to refract light and create a shimmering depth. the piece is part of an ongoing collaboration that partners environmentally friendly materials with street furniture and dynamic designers.
dance performance at the inaugural event at lab 23image © tortona design week
zaha hadid and patrick schumacher at the inaugural event at lab 23image © tortona design week
zaha hadid image © tortona design week
a composition of multiple benches
image © jacopo spilimbergo
layered grooves give way to sleek surfaces
image © jacopo spilimbergo
the sculptural form characteristically plays with solid and void
image © jacopo spilimbergo
shapes are informed by ice formations in glacial crevasses
image © jacopo spilimbergo
curve detailimage © jacopo spilimbergo
