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PORTAL Bench

  • Prize
    Honorable Mention in Furniture Design
  • Company/Firm
    Hess
  • Designer
    Carlos Romero
  • Other Credit
    Hess, Experience Brands
  • Photo Credit
    Hess
  • Location
    Gaffney, South Carolina, USA
  • Project Date
    April 9, 2021
  • Project Link
    view
  • Web URL
    view

PORTAL takes its cue from circular openings framed by elegant satin anodized rings reminiscent of old seafaring days. Designed with sustainability in mind, materials used are high in recycled content or grown sustainably. Vertical risers are extruded aluminum punctuated by precision-machined bezels to emphasize negative space. Seating slats are FSC-certified black locust, a fast-growing hardwood species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Black locust is known for its straight growth and naturally rot-, decay-, mildew-, and insect-resistant properties, making it well-suited for public outdoor installations throughout the world. The combination of materials imparts rich texture and an elegant presentation.

PORTAL may be a simple bench or provide illumination through circular light modules for soft ambient illumination surrounding the seat, extending usage well into the evening hours. Optional concealed wireless charging stations meet today’s modern needs for public spaces in municipal and corporate properties, parks, retail, and other pedestrian venues. Award-winning complementary illuminating columns and bollards deliver a cohesive design solution for feature spaces.

Bio
EXPERIENCE BRANDS is a fast-growing global conglomerate of medium-sized agile production and innovation facilities that work very closely with its specific markets to provide specification-grade luminaires, customized lighting solutions,and site furnishings. Brands include well-known architectural lighting manufacturers renowned for their rich history of innovation and relevant luminaire and amenity designs. These brands include Hess, Griven, Pantheon, and Vulkan for exterior lighting; and Lamp, Nordeon Lighting Solutions, Schmitz, and Wila for interior lighting applications.