Visionaries

JOCHEN HEINZMANN
The design concept is based on a singular shape integrating the bench legs with the
seat. Instead of a sharp break where seat and legs meet a curved section blurs the
line between where the seat ends and the legs start. This concept is further amplified
through the use of continuous grain timber on the seat surface and the side rails. The
slightly splayed legs complete this visual illusion of a bench “without legs” where the seat
becomes the legs. It also invites the curious minds to experiment with seating positions
on the end of the bench.
The seating surface is structured with inset rounded triangles of furniture linoleum
lamented to a core of cork for a modest amount of cushioning, sufficient to avoid the
hard un-cushioned feel of a bare timber seat. The matt and tactile surface of linoleum
contrasts and complements the oiled walnut surface of the bench. The linoleum surface
is just proud of the timber surface providing some structure and friction so the sitter
will not be sliding and shifting on the seat. The rounded triangle pattern is unapologetic
reference to visions of the future.
The materials used are sustainably grown north American walnut both as a veneer
on the MDF seat core and as steam bent solid laminations on the front rails, and
environmentally friendly furniture linoleum. The central internal spine hosts a steel core
providing the structural integrityallowing for the slender dimensioning of the seat body.
The environmental footprint of the bench has been carefully considered during the
design stage. To minimise the use of solid hardwoods in the project and waste thereof,
only the shaped parts are made from solid timber, whereas the main body of the bench
is made from MDF, a reconstituted wood product made mostly from waste timber. The
timber species chosen for the solid parts in this project is north American walnut, a
sustainable managed timber. The cork cushioning is a floor underlay which, like MDF,
is manufactured largely from waste products from other processes. Forbo linoleum
is CO2 neutral and is manufactured from natural products such as jute and flax, it is
biodegradable and vegan.
Jochen Heinzmann, B-01, 2019, timber,
linolium, steel, 450 x 1700 x 460mm.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist.
$2,950