THE BENCH is an idea based design competition open to all ages and backgrounds. The challenge of the competition is to design and install a temporary structure on a street to transform the street environment to a form of public space. The challenge of THE BENCH 2017 is to design a seasonal seating- space along the street edge(s) defined by the competition. The competition will unfold in two phases: selection by jury and installation for seasonal use. Multiple entries will be chosen as winning entries and will be constructed for public use during the 2017 WINNIPEG DESIGN FESTIVAL.
During the festival, the organizers will schedule and facilitate THE BENCH TALKs alongside the benches and the festival grounds. The talks will invite urban designers/planners and the public to discuss ‘street as public space’ and specific resonances that the installed entries bring to the topic. Designers of the winning entries invited to take part in THE BENCH TALK.
All entries will be documented and exhibited for public viewing, to generate awareness and discussion about ‘street as public space’. The organizers of THE BENCH will facilitate ongoing discussions of the topic during the use of THE BENCH and will seek ways to disseminate THE BENCH (i.e. donate to public school/ park) at the end of the season.
