The Edible Schoolyard located in Berkeley, CA provides gardening and farming classes to over 250 students on average per week in an outdoor classroom setting as part of the MLK Jr. Middle School students' curriculum.
ESY requested new durable outdoor garden benches in lieu of straw-bales that had to be replaced each season. The goal was to provide improved comfort, aesthetics (ergonomic form) and function (book bag storage below) to the students.
Using 3d modeling and RISA structural analysis, MM designed and then fabricated 14 modular segments to create a 20' diameter circular seating configuration.
The benches were assembled by the students and head garden instructor, Geoff Palla, as part of the class to provide self-empowerment and a rewarding communal activity.
Materials: CNC (Seaport Stainless) cut steel plate, angle iron, rods and reclaimed red acacia wood (Z&E Slabs)