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HALÓ monolithic concrete bench

VPI Concrete · Budapest

  • Design of the Year 2024

    Product Design — Furniture Design

  • Category Winner 2024

    Product Design — Furniture Design

HALÓ monolithic concrete bench by VPI Concrete

Overview

We sought the boundary between plasticity and geometry in the creation of HALÓ. Its soft curves and distinct surfaces are comfortable and aesthetic, making this long, monolithic bench a characteristic element of any park, promenade or public space.

design statement

Inspired by the arcs of natural stone bridges, HALÓ reimagines concrete furniture with a focus on practicality and aesthetic appeal. It balances fluid and geometric forms in a futuristic-minimalistic style. Our in-house design team at VPI Concrete envisioned a design that subtly evokes the essence of these bridges through a process that melds fluid contours with geometric precision, providing users with multifaceted seating options.

material

Crafted entirely from locally sourced High Performance Concrete, HALÓ is durable and low-maintenance, promising longevity in urban settings. Its massive structure is designed for long-term use, resistant to weather and everyday wear and tear. It is quick and easy to install and requires little maintenance. The backrest and non-backrest versions of HALÓ offer versatility for urban planners and landscape architects, enhancing public spaces with a distinctive design.

form

Extensive modelling and prototyping — from 3D models to full-scale wooden and cardboard mock-ups — ensured ergonomic seating geometry and formal unity. During the design process, our main considerations were the functional needs of urban residents as well as the need for versatility and adaptability among urban planners and landscape architects.

impact

By championing the company’s slogan, “freedom of concrete,” with the integration of our advanced mould techniques and cutting-edge aesthetics, HALÓ contributes to a broader discourse on material versatility in urban design. HALÓ is not smart, it doesn’t light up, and it contains no electronics – it is simply a beautiful and robust concrete bench that is comfortable, durable, and easy to install.

Specifications:

Bench without backrest: 850 kg, 2346x631x450 mm

Bench with backrest: 1050 kg, 2346x668x877 mm

Location
Budapest
Edition
2024
Discipline
Product Design
Category
Furniture Design

Project credits

Lead Designer
Márk Nagy-Mihály
Team
Péter István Varga

Recognised by LOOP

  • 2024

    Design of the Year

    Product Design

    Furniture Design

  • 2024

    Category Winner

    Product Design

    Furniture Design

All 2024 winners