Qatar Public Realm – Seating system

Qatar Public Realm – Ashghal / AECOM– Qatar  2015
Designers: Harry Dobbs Design for AECOM
JvStedingk : Co-designer
Manufacturers : Escofet, Spain

As part of the the Qatar Public Realm Design Guidelines for the Qatari Highways Authority, Ashghal, Jonas von Stedingk and Harry Dobbs were commissioned by AECOM to design a set of elements for the public realm.   Different test areas of Qatar, ranging from urban to rural to industrial, are to be furnished across the country to serve as reference for future developments.  Area accenting was high on the agenda for this project.

The seating system consists of a series of elements allowing different configurations.  Manufactured by Escofet in Spain, it is made from High Compaction Concrete with Glass Reinforced Concrete inserts of different shades and colours, including the possibility of engraved granite or local stone inserts depending on area accenting requirements.  One bench version includes side-located backrest, referring both practically and poetically to Qatari modes of sitting.