Public Bench
DURATION
Sep 2024 - Oct 2024
CLIENT
DSB (Danish State Railways)
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
As part of Danmarks Næste Klassiker, a Danish National Television program, I was given three weeks to design and build a waiting bench for Copenhagen Central Station—one of Denmark’s busiest transit hubs.
The goal was to create an inviting, practical, and durable seating solution that would enhance comfort, improve passenger flow, and be easy to maintain. The bench had to adapt to different station sizes, cater to both commuters and travelers, and be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.
OBSERVATIONS & INSIGHTS
To design a solution that would truly meet all passengers’ needs, I studied how people move, wait, and interact in the station. These were the key takeaways:
_ Many travelers needed leaning support rather than prolonged seating.
_ Wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage required better accommodation.
_ Flat surfaces accumulated trash, making maintenance inefficient.
_ Seating had to be intuitive, durable, and resistant to vandalism.
DESIGN PROCESS
Due to a workshop delay, I had just one week to build my first-ever piece of furniture. A major challenge was developing a custom hinge mechanism to ensure that the seats would fold up correctly.
While automation wasn’t possible within the timeframe, the bench was pre-engineered for a future torsion spring system, allowing the seats to automatically return to an upright position when passengers stand.
THE FINAL BENCH
_ Folding seats improve space efficiency
When not in use, seats return to an upright position, keeping the bench compact and ensuring optimal passenger flow in busy areas.
_ Automatic cleaning advantage
Leftover trash naturally falls to the floor when the seat folds up, making it easy to sweep away.
_ Leaning & standing support
The back rail provides extra stability for elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility.
_ Encourages short-term use
Designed for high passenger turnover while maintaining comfort.
_ Effortless maintenance
No horizontal surfaces for trash buildup.
_ Built to last
Crafted from Danish oak and brass, both highly durable materials that age beautifully over time.
_ A sustainable investment
The longevity of materials makes this a long-term, low-maintenance solution, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
_ Keeps traffic flowing
Strategically placed, the benches also function as subtle flow separators, helping guide passengers smoothly through high-traffic areas.
CONCLUSION
More than just a bench, DKN 1 is a space-saving, self-cleaning, and sustainable infrastructure solution designed to enhance accessibility, passenger flow, and station aesthetics—a timeless investment in public comfort and efficiency.
ABOUT SOPHUS
Multi-award-winning industrial designer with over 20 years of experience in high-end product design. Raised in the Danish design tradition and mentored by master designer David Lewis, Sophus is passionate about creating meaningful, lasting design solutions. His approach is rooted in empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. He believes in long-term collaborations built on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that every project is not just a product but a true reflection of a brand’s identity.
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contact@sophusbang.com
