How curved benches promote sustainable seating in public spaces

Sustainability is becoming a crucial focus in the design of public spaces, influencing everything from infrastructure to seating. Landscape architects, contractors, councils, and trusts are at the forefront of this effort and their decisions shape the public environments where communities live, work, and relax. Circular benches, in particular, offer a practical solution, combining functionality with environmental responsibility to create spaces that support both people and nature.

Recent discussions on sustainable land use, highlighted in a report by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the British Ecological Society (BES), emphasise the need for integrated approaches that balance human needs with ecological health. These principles echo in the design of public seating, where thoughtful choices can support both people and nature in shared spaces.

Why sustainability matters in public seating

Public infrastructure projects can have a lasting environmental impact, making sustainability a critical consideration. Incorporating solutions like round curved benches helps reduce waste, lower long-term costs, and support eco-friendly public spaces. A big round bench, for example, enhances green areas while aligning with sustainability goals through its durable and recyclable materials.

Benefits for stakeholders:

• Landscape architects: Meet environmental guidelines while enhancing designs to secure more projects.
• Contractors: Provide durable, cost-effective solutions that satisfy clients’ sustainability requirements.
• Councils/trusts: Achieve sustainability targets while maintaining functionality in public spaces.

The rise of circular and curved benches in public spaces

Circular and curved benches are becoming a staple in urban and rural public spaces due to their versatility and visual appeal. Their design naturally complements the aesthetics of parks and green spaces while serving as functional seating in town squares, housing developments, and university campuses. A curved bench for a round table, for example, enhances outdoor gathering spots by creating an inclusive and inviting seating arrangement.

These benches adapt seamlessly to various environments. In parks, they blend with the natural surroundings, providing a peaceful spot for relaxation. Town squares benefit from their ability to foster social interaction and elevate the ambiance. In housing developments, circular benches create communal spaces that encourage a sense of belonging. On university campuses, they offer practical seating for outdoor study sessions or casual gatherings.

Landscape architects, contractors, and councils increasingly favour these benches for their ability to address multiple priorities. Crafted from sustainable and durable materials, these benches align with environmental goals while maintaining a stylish and cohesive design. Their simple installation and low-maintenance features make them a cost-effective choice, ensuring long-term value for stakeholders.

Benefits of circular benches

Circular and curved benches offer numerous advantages that make them an excellent choice for public spaces. Here are some key benefits of incorporating these benches into urban and rural landscapes:

1. Aesthetic appeal

Circular and curved benches elevate the visual appeal of public spaces, creating striking focal points that encourage social interaction. Their unique curved design adds a sense of dynamism and fluidity, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape. In modern urban squares, these benches introduce a sculptural element that complements contemporary architecture, providing an inviting gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Their organic shapes soften the hard lines of buildings and paved areas, creating a harmonious and visually appealing environment.

In natural park trails, these benches harmonise with the organic contours of the landscape, offering a peaceful respite amidst serene surroundings. Their curved forms mimic the gentle curves of winding paths, creating a sense of continuity and flow. These benches serve as natural resting points along the trails, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the beauty of their natural surroundings while engaging in casual conversations or quiet contemplation.

2. Versatility

Circular and curved benches are remarkably versatile, accommodating diverse group sizes and seamlessly integrating into spaces of varying scales. Their continuous design allows for ample seating, making them ideal for accommodating large gatherings or community events. Yet, their modular nature also enables them to fit harmoniously into smaller, more intimate spaces, providing cosy seating nooks for quieter moments.

In town parks, these benches create inviting communal areas where families and friends can gather for picnics, outdoor concerts, or leisurely strolls. Their curved forms naturally delineate gathering spaces, fostering a sense of togetherness while blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery.

On university campuses, they offer practical and flexible seating options for outdoor study sessions, group discussions, or casual socialising. Their organic shapes encourage collaboration and interaction, fostering a dynamic learning environment that extends beyond the confines of traditional classrooms.

3. Environmental Impact

These benches are often crafted using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, sustainably sourced wood, or metal alloys with a low carbon footprint. These materials reduce reliance on virgin resources and support waste reduction initiatives, making them a conscious choice for public infrastructure. A curved bench for a round table or an S-shaped run of benches, for instance, can integrate seamlessly into green spaces, often encircling trees to provide added protection and enhance the natural setting.

Beyond their aesthetic and functional appeal, these benches align with sustainability goals by promoting efficient use of materials and minimising long-term environmental costs. Their adaptability to urban and rural settings helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of public seating projects.

4. Durability

One of the key advantages of circular bench seating, both indoor and outdoor, is its exceptional durability. Built with high-performance materials such as treated hardwood, weather-resistant metals, and advanced composites, these benches are designed to withstand years of use while retaining their structural integrity. This longevity significantly reduces the frequency of replacements, minimising waste and lowering maintenance costs over time.

For public spaces that experience heavy use, such as campuses or town centres, the robust construction of these benches ensures they remain functional and visually appealing. Their durable materials also resist environmental wear, such as UV exposure, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, making them a reliable option for indoor and outdoor applications.

5. Main​​tenance

These benches are designed with low maintenance in mind, making them a cost-effective and practical choice for councils and trusts overseeing public spaces. Their weather-resistant finishes, such as powder-coated metals or UV-stable composites, minimise the need for frequent repainting or refinishing, reducing maintenance costs over time.

Additionally, many circular bench designs feature seamless construction and smooth surfaces, which prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris. This enhances their aesthetic appeal and simplifies cleaning routines, requiring only occasional wiping or pressure washing. The absence of intricate crevices or hard-to-reach areas further contributes to their low-maintenance nature.

6. Creation of social spaces

In today’s fast-paced urban landscape, public spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement are becoming increasingly vital. As cities continue to densify, thoughtfully designed seating solutions like these benches play a crucial role in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all.

The unique shape and design of circular and curved benches naturally encourage a sense of togetherness and inclusion. Their continuous, unbroken form invites people to gather, interact, and engage in casual conversations, fostering a stronger sense of community. This design promotes social cohesion and facilitates spontaneous connections among diverse groups, from families enjoying a day in the park to students collaborating on campus.

Circular and curved benches are versatile and accommodate a wide range of users, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible and inclusive. Their seamless design allows for easy access and seating for individuals with disabilities, promoting equal participation and enjoyment of shared spaces. Additionally, the benches’ adaptable configurations can accommodate groups of varying sizes, making them suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger social events.

Circular benches from Made by Landmark

At Made by Landmark, sustainability and innovation take centre stage in creating public seating solutions that inspire and endure. Their Mettro range exemplifies how circular and curved benches can seamlessly combine environmental consciousness with functionality, addressing the needs of modern public spaces. By blending thoughtful design with sustainable materials, these products highlight the potential of public seating to enhance spaces while supporting sustainability goals.

Mettro 102 Circular Bench

The Mettro 102 Circular Bench is a perfect blend of sleek design and material sustainability, making it a versatile choice for town squares and housing developments. Its clean lines and customisable options in materials, finishes, and sizes allow it to adapt to a variety of outdoor settings. Whether framing a sculpture or encircling a tree, this bench enhances the charm of public spaces while offering comfortable seating for visitors.

One of its standout features is the option for internal accessibility, where sections can be omitted to create entry and exit points. This thoughtful addition ensures the bench remains functional and inclusive, accommodating diverse user needs without compromising on design. The Mettro 102 transforms open spaces into inviting environments that encourage relaxation and social interaction.

Mettro 111 Circular Bench & Planter

Combining seating and greenery, the Mettro 111 Circular Bench & Planter embodies the principles of urban greening. Designed to elevate outdoor areas, this piece features an integrated 28-litre planter that allows for creative plant arrangements, enriching the aesthetic and environmental appeal of campuses or recreational areas.

The dual functionality of the Mettro 111 encourages engagement with the space by blending nature and seating into a single, cohesive design. By incorporating greenery directly into its structure, the bench helps foster a connection to nature in urban settings, creating vibrant and dynamic outdoor environments. Ideal for locations prioritising sustainability and visual appeal, the Mettro 111 offers a practical, stylish, and eco-friendly solution for modern public spaces.

Key takeaways

Circular benches play a vital role in creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces. Their versatile design meets environmental goals and enhances the ambiance of parks, town squares, housing developments, and university campuses. By combining comfort, durability, and eco-friendly materials, these benches serve as a perfect solution for modern public environments.

Explore the range of benches from Made by Landmark to see how they can elevate your projects. Whether you’re looking for seating solutions that balance sustainability and design, or simply need expert advice, our team is ready to help. As your single-source supplier, we make it easy to save money, save time, and reduce administrative hassle. Get in touch today and discover how our benches can transform your public spaces.