TAC
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Meta-Bench
Modular Shared Seating

Meta-Bench

Seating design is vital in fostering communal interactions in shared spaces. Rooted in the organic growth principles of the Metabolist movement and the transformational geometric language of digital Metaballs, Meta-Bench forms an experiential seating system where individuals can move and adjust public seating at will. The system consists of thin tube-steel base forms and lightweight, movable steel-frame seats that can be playfully rearranged by users of all ages. Designed for outdoor use, it is waterproof, modular, welcoming, and encourages ongoing public interaction and reinterpretation. More than just a bench, this is a flexible system designed for the continuous evolution of shared spaces.

Modular Shared Seating

PROGRAM: Modular Seating

COMPETITION: The Architect’s Chair

TEAM: Bryan Maddock, Grace Infante

ORGANIZER: Buildner

YEAR:
2025
AWARDS:
NEWS:
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Furniture

Competitions

Concept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating forms

Metaball’ geometry is adapted to blend seats together into increasingly complex contiguous communal forms. ‘Metaballs’ are commonly used in computer graphics as base meshes for sculpting complex organic forms.

Concept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating forms
Concept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating forms

PROJECT IMAGES

Overall collection of the various components that makeup the Meta-Bench seating system including frame, seats, and cushionsOverall collection of the various components that makeup the Meta-Bench seating system including frame, seats, and cushionsOverall collection of the various components that makeup the Meta-Bench seating system including frame, seats, and cushionsOverall collection of the various components that makeup the Meta-Bench seating system including frame, seats, and cushions
Diagram detail of the lower Meta-Bench seating frame and the drop-in seating shellsDiagram detail of the lower Meta-Bench seating frame and the drop-in seating shellsDiagram detail of the lower Meta-Bench seating frame and the drop-in seating shellsDiagram detail of the lower Meta-Bench seating frame and the drop-in seating shells
Model photograph of the Meta-Bench system in various configurationsModel photograph of the Meta-Bench system in various configurationsModel photograph of the Meta-Bench system in various configurationsModel photograph of the Meta-Bench system in various configurations
Overall plan and elevation drawings of the Meta-Bench seating system showing possible uses and variationsOverall plan and elevation drawings of the Meta-Bench seating system showing possible uses and variationsOverall plan and elevation drawings of the Meta-Bench seating system showing possible uses and variationsOverall plan and elevation drawings of the Meta-Bench seating system showing possible uses and variations
Example image of a person carrying and placing the lightweight seating shell into the seating frameworkExample image of a person carrying and placing the lightweight seating shell into the seating frameworkExample image of a person carrying and placing the lightweight seating shell into the seating frameworkExample image of a person carrying and placing the lightweight seating shell into the seating framework
Concept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating formsConcept diagram of the ‘Meatball’ geometry from singular chairs to overlapping organic seating forms
A single example of two Meta-Bench seats inserted into a three-base frameworkA single example of two Meta-Bench seats inserted into a three-base frameworkA single example of two Meta-Bench seats inserted into a three-base frameworkA single example of two Meta-Bench seats inserted into a three-base framework
Outdoor perspective of an arrangement of the Meta-Bench system with colorful seat cushions and varied layoutsOutdoor perspective of an arrangement of the Meta-Bench system with colorful seat cushions and varied layoutsOutdoor perspective of an arrangement of the Meta-Bench system with colorful seat cushions and varied layoutsOutdoor perspective of an arrangement of the Meta-Bench system with colorful seat cushions and varied layouts
An overall example of a grouped and overlapping Meta-Bench system hosting seating for many different peopleAn overall example of a grouped and overlapping Meta-Bench system hosting seating for many different peopleAn overall example of a grouped and overlapping Meta-Bench system hosting seating for many different peopleAn overall example of a grouped and overlapping Meta-Bench system hosting seating for many different people
Plan and elevation drawings of an individual seat placed within the Meta-Bench frameworkPlan and elevation drawings of an individual seat placed within the Meta-Bench frameworkPlan and elevation drawings of an individual seat placed within the Meta-Bench frameworkPlan and elevation drawings of an individual seat placed within the Meta-Bench framework

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