June 02, 2016
Student designed communal seating system set to boost social interaction at MOCA Grand Avenue Plaza in downtown Los Angeles
The Sanke multileveled communal outdoor seating system for public spaces created by ArtCenter College of Design Environmental Design student Sonia Lui was unveiled June 2, 2016 at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Grand Avenue Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. The permanent installation is the result of an ArtCenter collaboration with The Martin Architecture and Design Workshop Foundation (MADWORKSHOP).
Unlike any other outdoor seating for public spaces readily available on the market, Lui’s Sanke system includes attached outdoor tables and seating for 10 to 12 in multiple heights and shapes, all on the same dining structure. Fabricated with durable, weather-resistant materials in a mixed palate of natural wood finishes and glossy colors, the Sanke tables are designed to encourage human interaction and engender a sense of togetherness, even for those dining alone.
“This innovative approach changes the way we interact in a communal space,” said David Martin, FAIA, co-founder of MADWORKSHOP. “In a smartphone culture trending toward human isolation, the Sanke design promotes human connection without forcing the issue.”
Lui, a 24-year-old student at ArtCenter in Pasadena, Calif, where Martin serves on the Board of Trustees, developed Sanke in a class sponsored by MADWORKSHOP in which students explored the ways public space is used in the digital age. Entitled “Re-Defining Public Furniture and Fixtures Design,” the course required students to analyze how communal spaces have changed over the years and create fixtures and furniture that address modern needs.
While the Sanke table design encourages eye contact and conversation, it also serves the needs of people who prefer more privacy, allowing for different levels of proximity between diners. Lui’s research showed that different table heights and shapes were not equally conducive to interaction and conversation. By connecting different components on the same table structure, diners can choose to remain alone or more easily connect with other diners, depending on where they are situated at the table.
“I’m sure I’m not the only person who feels awkward and lonely when dining alone,” explained Lui. “I want to feel accompanied. This is furniture that gathers people together and creates the possibility for people to interact.”
In keeping with MADWORKSHOP’s mission, craftsmanship is at the core of the Sanke project. Lui chose cost-efficient materials and created simple construction and fastening methods with manufacturing and installation in mind. MADWORKSHOP is planning for mass production of the Sanke tables and, as part of its mission, is currently seeking manufacturing partners.
About MADWORKSHOP
The MADWORKSHOP Foundation (501c3), based in Santa Monica, CA, was founded by David and Mary Klaus Martin in 2015 to identify and support the next generation of inventors and designers in the creation of beautiful and artfully designed things with a focus on technological craftsmanship. The Foundation sponsors the development, marketing and launch of innovative products that have the capacity to impact design on a grand scale; things that relate to our culture much like architecture relates to our environment. In addition to supporting and mentoring designers through the complete product development lifecycle, MADWORKSHOP sponsors research, curricula and technology that inform design and advance process and production. For more information about the MADWORKSHOP Foundation please visit madworkshop.org.
About The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Founded in 1979, MOCA’s vision is to be the defining museum of contemporary art. In a relatively short period of time, MOCA has achieved astonishing growth with three Los Angeles locations of architectural renown; a world-class permanent collection of more than 6,800 objects, international in scope and among the finest in the world; hallmark education programs that are widely emulated; award-winning publications that present original scholarship; groundbreaking monographic, touring, and thematic exhibitions of international repute that survey the art of our time; and cutting-edge engagement with modes of new media production. MOCA is a not-for-profit institution that relies on a variety of funding sources for its activities.
About ArtCenter
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers 11 undergraduate and seven graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design disciplines as well as visual and applied arts. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves members of the Greater Los Angeles region through a highly regarded series of year- round educational programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
Contacts:
Michelle DiLello
Blue Medium, Inc.
michelle@bluemedium.com
212 675 1800
Teri Bond
ArtCenter College of Design
teri.bond@artcenter.edu
626 396 2385
