Soft Baroque’s Dancing Bench Brings Kinetic Design to Public Spaces in Spain – stupidDOPE

Report on Soft Baroque’s Dancing Bench Installation at Concéntrico 10, Logroño, Spain

Introduction: Innovative Public Seating and Sustainable Development Goals

At Concéntrico 10 in Logroño, Spain, the design collective Soft Baroque introduced the Dancing Bench, an interactive public seating installation that redefines urban furniture. This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by promoting inclusive, safe, and innovative public spaces that encourage physical interaction and sensory engagement.

Reimagining Urban Furniture Through Movement

The Dancing Bench was installed in a public plaza during the Concéntrico International Festival of Architecture and Design. Initially perceived as a minimalist sculpture, the bench reveals its kinetic nature when occupied. Constructed from parallel planes that rotate manually under weight, it produces a ripple-like motion affecting both the object and the user. This design encourages physical activity and mindfulness, supporting SDG 3 by fostering well-being through movement and sensory experience.

A Blurred Line Between Sculpture and Utility

Soft Baroque’s approach merges fine art and industrial design, challenging traditional boundaries. The Dancing Bench transforms static public furniture into a performative experience without relying on electronics or external power, thereby promoting sustainable design practices consistent with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

• Use of durable materials with minimalist aesthetics
• Integration of kinetic elements powered solely by user interaction
• Encouragement of sustainable urban design principles

Engagement Through Interaction

The installation fosters active engagement rather than passive use, encouraging users to explore movement and presence in public spaces. This interaction promotes community well-being and social inclusion, directly supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

1. Users experience gentle swaying and shifting motions
2. Encourages awareness and mindfulness in urban environments
3. Transforms public seating into a shared, playful experience

Conceptual Design With a Human Pulse

The Dancing Bench extends Soft Baroque’s conceptual design philosophy by transforming utilitarian objects into mediums for emotional response and community connection. This approach aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by creating inclusive spaces that invite diverse public interaction and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering social cohesion through shared experiences.

Conclusion: Movement as a Language of Sustainable Design

Soft Baroque’s Dancing Bench exemplifies how kinetic design can enhance public spaces by encouraging interaction, mindfulness, and community engagement. The installation serves as a model for sustainable urban design that integrates art, innovation, and social well-being, contributing to multiple SDGs:

• SDG 3: Promoting health and well-being through physical interaction
• SDG 9: Encouraging innovation in infrastructure without reliance on non-renewable energy
• SDG 11: Creating inclusive and sustainable urban public spaces
• SDG 12: Advocating responsible production through minimalist and durable design
• SDG 10 & 16: Enhancing social inclusion and community cohesion

As urban centers worldwide seek to integrate sustainable and human-centered design, the Dancing Bench stands as a compelling example of how subtle movement and interaction can transform everyday objects into catalysts for social and environmental progress.

For further information and to explore more projects by Soft Baroque, visit softbaroque.com.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the Dancing Bench installation in a public urban space, emphasizing innovative design in public seating that encourages interaction and engagement within the community.
   • It highlights reimagining public spaces to foster social interaction and enhance urban life quality.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The kinetic design and innovative approach to furniture design reflect advancements in sustainable infrastructure and innovation.
   • The bench’s manual, mechanical movement without external power sources exemplifies sustainable and innovative design.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The installation promotes physical interaction and sensory engagement, which can contribute to mental well-being and encourage physical activity in urban environments.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The design’s emphasis on simplicity, lack of complex electronics, and durable materials suggests sustainable production and consumption practices.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
   • The article’s focus on interactive public seating aligns with enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
   • The bench’s innovative mechanical design without external power supports sustainable infrastructure development.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
   • The meditative and engaging nature of the bench supports mental well-being through sensory and physical interaction.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   • The article implies sustainable design by avoiding complex electronics and focusing on durable materials.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 11 (Target 11.7)
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
   • The article implies measuring the availability and quality of interactive public furniture as part of public open spaces.
2. For SDG 9 (Target 9.4)
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.
   • The bench’s manual operation without power sources implies lower emissions, which can be measured to assess sustainability.
3. For SDG 3 (Target 3.4)
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (as a proxy for mental health).
   • Though not directly mentioned, the article’s emphasis on mental well-being through design suggests potential qualitative indicators on user well-being and engagement.
4. For SDG 12 (Target 12.5)
   • Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.
   • The sustainable design approach implies potential measurement of waste reduction and material reuse.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: stupiddope.com