Arisa Penkki by Pedro Fernandez Cortina is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Hopeapalkinto A' Design Award in Katukalusteet Competition Category.

HopeaKatukalusteet· 2025

Arisa Penkki

by Pedro Fernandez Cortina

Client: Rokam

Hopeapalkinto A' Design Award Winner in Katukalusteet Category

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Colors

The Design

About Arisa Penkki

Arisa on julkisiin tiloihin suunniteltu modulaarinen penkki. Penkki on valmistettu kevyestä kierrätysbetonista, johon on lisätty kiviainesta, mikä antaa lujuutta pitäen samalla painon alhaisena. Mittasuhteet noudattavat kultaista leikkausta, ja vaihtelevat korkeudet mahdollistavat lasten kiipeilyn, nuorten kokoontumisen ja aikuisten levähtämisen. Kaareva muoto kannustaa eri-ikäisiä ihmisiä keskustelemaan keskenään. Useita yksiköitä voidaan järjestää erilaisiin kokoonpanoihin, ja penkki soveltuu sekä ulko- että sisätiloihin. Kunkin yksikön mitat ovat 600 x 600 x 1800 mm.

The Recognition

About the Hopeapalkinto A' Design Award

Arisa Penkki on Hopeapalkinnon A' Design Award -voittaja, äärimmäisen arvostettu tunnustus, joka myönnetään huippuluokan, upeille ja vaikuttaville designeille. Hopeavoittajat ovat äärimmäisen loistavia ja erittäin luovia teoksia, jotka havainnollistavat suunnittelijoidensa erinomaista asiantuntemusta, lahjakkuutta ja terävyyttä. Arisa Penkki:n odotetaan olevan ihana, esimerkillinen teos, joka on huomattavan ammattimainen ja syvästi innovatiivinen. Tämä Hopeapalkinnon A' Design Award -voittajadesign on erittäin merkittävä, ihailtu keksintö, joka hyödyttää taiteen, tieteen, designin ja teknologian rajojen laajentamista. Arisa Penkki on laajalti kadehdittu luomus, joka herättää haluja, tuo myönteisiä tunteita ja sytyttää hämmästystä ja ihmetystä.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Arisa bench redefines street furniture by combining aesthetics and functionality in a piece sculpted from Rokam, a type of recycled concrete known for its durability and elegance. Designed by architect Pedro Fernandez Cortina, this bench reflects his innovative approach and desire to transform the way people interact with public spaces.
Dimensions & Packaging: 600 mm x 600 mm x 1800 mm
Tags: bench, concrete, industrial design, sustainable furniture, interaction in public spaces, adaptable furniture, structural innovation, outdoor design, urban landscape, multifunctional furniture, multifunctional furniture
Production Technology: Rokam, our material is manufactured by adding stone material to our mix, resulting in a natural, lightweight and resistant cultured stone. This allows us to create a wide variety of shapes, finishes and geometries, thanks to its unique properties and weight-to-strength ratio.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge in designing the Arisa bench was to balance aesthetics and functionality. Creating an object that would encourage social interaction in the public space without compromising the durability of the material was key. In addition, there were technical hurdles in working with lightweight concrete, as it had to maintain its strength without the traditional internal structure. This was compounded by production constraints and challenges in exploring organic forms that would invite use and social interaction.
Research: Our research included an exhaustive analysis of the urban furniture available in the market, identifying the lack of options in Mexico that encourage social interaction. We observed that many existing benches do not invite dialogue or coexistence between people of different ages and backgrounds. Through observation methods and surveys, we designed the Arisa bench, designed for everyone, from children to seniors, promoting an accessible and comfortable space. We used 3D modeling tools and lightweight concrete to ensure durability and aesthetics. The results confirm that Arisa not only improves interaction in public space, but also responds to an urgent need for urban furniture in our country.
Inspiration: Inspired by the golden ratio, Arisa features different heights that invite diverse interactions. Children can climb and play, teenagers find a social meeting point, and adults enjoy a comfortable place to rest and connect. More than just a bench, Arisa is a sculptural piece designed to blend into urban environments, fostering a sense of community. Its modular design ensures adaptability across various spaces, offering long-term durability and flexibility.
Project Duration: This product started with 1:10 scale prototypes in 2022 and was launched to the public at the Mextropoli festival in CDMX in September 2024. Where it was presented in the center of the CDMX and in a space called Laguna.
Operation Flow: The Arisa bench is designed to create a meeting space in public environments. Its curved shape invites social interaction, encouraging a natural conversation among those who use it. Made of lightweight concrete, it adapts to both exteriors and interiors, offering versatility in its use. Its modular design allows various pieces to be arranged to form different configurations. It is a piece that invites to be touched, used and enjoyed intuitively, making the environment come alive through the furniture.
Image Credits: Monserrat Castro