SATELLITE | Landscape element
Summary
Satellite emerged as a concept to highlight the potential of UHPC (ultra high-performance concrete) within a Design Catalog commemorating the company’s 125th anniversary back in 2011. This groundbreaking technology introduced unprecedented possibilities in terms of thickness and shapes, particularly in the realms of urban furniture and facade components. The core objective of Satellite was to propose a fresh perspective on public spaces, offering new ways for user interaction and boldly pushing the boundaries of this material.
The client
Escofet 1886 is a renowned company from Barcelona specialising in urban and architectural elements. They are known for their innovative designs and high-quality products in areas such as street furniture, landscape architecture, and concrete solutions for public spaces. Escofet 1886 has a long history dating back to its founding year in 1886 and has collaborated with numerous architects and designers to create distinctive urban environments.
Process Overview
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Analysis
- Context
- Concept
- Sketching
- Prototyping
- 3d Modelling
- Industrial feasibility
- Commercial
- Awards
The Team
- Martin Caneda
- Gerard Arque
The Concept
The first concept was a two seater cross-breed between classic seating and landscape element, shaping a semi private space inserted in public space. The concept gained acclaim for its seamless design and for pushing the material to its limit, with a shape not possible with the preceding technology.
Seven years later Escofet proposed taking Satellite into production, marking the progression of the original design to the Product development stage.
Concept development:
While the original two-seater configuration showcased an innovative blend of landscape and seating elements, it was somewhat limited in its functionality. The seating surface, while ergonomic, restricted users to seat in one direction. Upon a thorough analysis of the initial model and a reconsideration of its underlying philosophy, the Satellite concept underwent a transformative revision.
This revised approach now welcomes user participation in determining how to utilise it and what creative possibilities it offers. Additionally, the concept development introduced an increase in diameter, growing to 1800mm, which encourages users to explore various seating positions, either individually or with others. This platform-oriented design also extends the object’s potential to encompass other uses, particularly in the realm of play.
Development
Even though it was initially just a concept, the 2011 version of Satellite had already progressed into a 3D model, which served as the foundation for the 2018 development. With a complete reimagining of the concept, a series of iterative steps encompassing sketching, prototyping, and 3D modeling unfolded.
Prototyping efforts ranged from drawing a full-scale 1:1 footprint on the floor to crafting scaled-down 3D models, depending on the aspect that was being studied. A close and collaborative partnership with engineering was instrumental in merging both the design and technical aspects to create a product that would ultimately succeed. This concerted effort was crucial in the evolution of Satellite into a successful and refined model.
Technical solutions
A bowl shaped element of this magnitude requires an efficient way of letting rain water out, and in this case, an opening at the backrest ascends from the lowest point on the seating surface almost meeting the upper edge. This feature was integrated into the design and has since become one of its most distinctive characteristics. The outcome is a visually lighter volume with a pronounced sense of direction, akin to a compass. Furthermore, it generates a striking line of light within Satellite’s shadow.
To ensure a hassle-free installation process, Satellite is designed as a freestanding element and incorporates strategic weight reduction solutions, improving stability while keeping the overall weight at a minimum for ease of transportation.
Launching Satellite
Satellite made its market debut in 2019 with the aim of serving as a tool for shaping public spaces and fostering interaction among users, the object itself, and the surrounding environment. Its innovative approach to enhancing urban landscapes and encouraging engagement gained significant recognition. In 2021, Satellite received the prestigious Silver Delta award and was also honored with an IF Design Award.
