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January 2017 — Property Management Quarterly — Page 17
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AsphAlt And tennis Court MAintenAnCe
• Infrared repaIr
• CraCksealIng
• sealCoatIng
• tennIs Court resurfaCIng & MaIntenanCe
I n the built environment, build-
ings and projects are trend-
ing toward mixed use, where
different combinations of
land uses and activities come
together to create dynamic syner-
gies. Within the realm of mixed use,
public spaces are incredibly impor-
tant and, within that space, seating
becomes a critical component. The
most popular form of public seat-
ing typically is benches. Truth be
known, there are plenty of other
seating options as well as a pleth-
ora of seating enhancements that
should be given consideration to
meet a variety of seating needs.
• Benches. Benches that offer
uniqueness, a secondary function
or a design element give mixed-use
public spaces an inviting perspec-
tive not once achievable.
For example, art benches are
functional benches with an artistic
twist. They are suitable as signa-
ture or statement pieces for public
spaces, and they can be fun, whim-
sical or just weird. You can think of
this seating as a way to establish a
brand or create a backdrop for photo
opportunities.
In addition, pattern and logo
benches are gaining in popularity.
Companies are opting to customize
benches with logos or site-specific
designs, which can be used on a
series of benches, chairs, tables and
planters within an area.
Benches with light-emitting diode
lighting elements are starting to
appear as a standard feature, with
some models utilizing translucent
materials and internal lighting.
Other models incorporate the LED
lighting into the
bench seats, backs
or support sys-
tems.
And then there
are benches with
duel functions,
such as combin-
ing bike racks and
benches to provide
public seating and
bike parking. Plant-
er benches per-
form double duty
as decorative and
functional seating elements. And
circular benches are used as pre-
cast seat walls, landscape borders
or as landmark destinations. These
benches help position art, plants or
other decorative elements into open
spaces.
Prefabricated seat walls are avail-
able in circular, linear and organic
models with straight, rounded or
curved ends. Single- or dual-seat
depths make them very versatile in
public spaces. Optional elements
like wood seats, decorative arms
and unique backs created upscale
versions of standard models. Some
seatwalls offer inside and outside
steps to create circular play or view-
ing areas while others offer seating
on both sides of the circle.
In private or public areas with
limited space, small benches are
an excellent option. These small
benches reduce the amount of
space needed to provide public seat-
ing. Available in a variety of shapes,
sizes and materials, look for small
benches to become a standard fea-
ture in public spaces.
• Nontraditional seat-
ing. Moving past the tra-
ditional idea of benches
for public seating, we’re
seeing some new seat-
ing trends. Adirondack
chairs, which usually
are confined to decks
and patios, are bringing
variety to public spaces.
They come in many
seating options, includ-
ing deck chairs, high
chairs, sun loungers
and benches, and often
they are available in
an explosion of single
and multiple colors to
announce their pres-
ence.
Sun loungers, which
usually are associated
with deck, pool and
patio areas, are begin-
ning to appear in non-
pool public spaces like
public plazas, street
parklets and parks. They encour-
age users to relax and refresh while
checking their email or taking a
break from their daily routine. Like-
wise, low chairs embrace the design
of standard side and armchairs but
in a relaxed lounge version. This
design works well on decks, plazas
and other areas to encourage users
to hang out.
Bollards are traditionally used
as barriers and barricades to pro-
hibit vehicles from entering public
spaces, but are being recognized as
an ideal seating elements. If the bol-
lards are the proper diameter and
seat height, they become a natural
seat for people watching whatever
is unfolding around them.
Although somewhat rare in pub-
lic spaces, hanging benches, chairs
and rockers have moved from one’s
porch into public spaces. Their
appeal is universal and they attract
a wide range of users in a variety of
age groups. Hanging seats can natu-
rally enhance one’s public experi-
ence.
In the past, stationary public
chairs were the norm. However, por-
table and moveable folding chairs
are now incredibly popular. They
provide users with options related
Vendor Trends
James Shaffer
President,
Streetscapes Inc.,
Denver
Wausau Made
A pod canopy bench elicits intrigue and functions both
as a seating element as well as a unique design feature.