Arisa Bänk by Pedro Fernandez Cortina is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award an Sëlwer in Stroossmiwwelen Design Competition Category.

SëlwerStroossmiwwelen· 2025

Arisa Bänk

by Pedro Fernandez Cortina

Client: Rokam

A' Design Award an Sëlwer Winner in Stroossmiwwelen Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #164200

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Colors

The Design

About Arisa Bänk

Arisa ass eng modulär Bänk, déi fir ëffentlech Raim entworf gouf. D'Bänk ass aus liichtem recycléiertem Bëton mat bäigesatem Steenmaterial gemaach, wat Stäerkt gëtt an dobäi d'Gewiicht niddreg hält. D'Proportioune follegen dem gëllene Schnëtt, a verschidden Héichten erlaben et Kanner ze klammen, Jugendlecher sech ze treffen an Erwuessener sech auszerouen. Déi gebéite Form encouragéiert Gespréicher tëscht Leit vu verschiddenen Alteren. Verschidde Eenheete kënnen a verschiddene Konfiguratiounen arrangéiert ginn, an d'Bänk passt souwuel fir dobaussen wéi och fir dobannen. All Eenheet moosst 600 op 600 op 1800 mm.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Sëlwer

Arisa Bänk ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Sëlwer, enger aussergewéinlech prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un Designe vun der héchster Qualitéit, prächteg a beandrockend vergi gëtt. Sëlwer-Gewënner si bemierkenswäert brillant a ganz kreativ Wierker, déi d'erausragend Expertise, d'Talent an d'Schaarfsënnegkeet vun hire Designer weisen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Arisa Bänk e wonnerbart, mustergëlteg, bemierkenswäert professionellt an déif innovatiivt Wierk ass. Dëst mam Sëlwer ausgezeechent Design ass eng bemierkenswäert, bewonnert Erfindung, déi dozou bäidréit, d'Grenze vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie ze erweideren. Arisa Bänk ass eng Kreatioun, op déi vill neidesch sinn, déi Wënsch erweckt, positiv Gefiller bréngt an Erstaunen a Wonner erweckt.

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