Clever Wood Bench Sprawls Out Like the Roots of a Tree in South Korea

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Yong Ju Lee Architecture

In a public park in Seoul, South Korea, an elaborate network of wooden benches spreads out like the roots of a tree. Based on his winning design from the Hangang Art Competition, Yong Ju Lee has created an artistic and functional piece of public furniture for all to enjoy. Known as Root Bench, this network of benches with a nearly 100-foot (30 meter) diameter is composed of wood “roots” that spider out at different elevations.

A steel frame covered in wood decking provides public furniture at three different heights—a children's chair, an adult chair, and a table. The organic design is the result of a computer algorithm that generated the radial form of the benches in a manner that blends with the grassy background. The ingenious design provides a welcome place of respite for the public and allows for many users at the same time without seeming overcrowded.

Intended to blur the lines between a man-made installation and the natural environment, Yong Ju Lee's design is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. At night, lighting under the elevated portions provides a measure of security and warmth to the space, ensuring that Root Bench can be used day and night. Whether looking to sprawl out or enjoy a picnic with a friend, the public can take advantage of Root Bench as an oasis in the bustling city.

The project is the perfect example of Yong Ju Lee's practice, which focuses on “geometric experiment as a primary creative and aesthetic gesture of building.” His keen interest in geometry and tessellation shines through in Root Bench and demonstrates how new technology can be used effectively to create minimally invasive, organic architecture.

Root Bench is a network of benches (with a nearly 100-foot diameter) that sprawls across a public park in Seoul, South Korea.

Yong Ju Lee - Clever Bench

Photo: Yong Ju Lee Architecture

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Different elevations let visitors enjoy the unique bench in a variety of ways.

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee - Unique Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Lighting below the benches allows the public furniture to be used around the clock.

Yong Ju Lee - Unique Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee - Clever Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee - Unique Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee used a computer algorithm to create Root Bench‘s organic form.

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee - Root Bench

Photo: Kyungsub Shin

Yong Ju Lee Architecture: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [archdaily]

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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