Design and Technology – The design process | e-Consult

Function: The primary function is to provide seating for park users. Consider different seating heights and depths to accommodate various users (e.g., elderly, disabled). The benches should be durable and weather-resistant.

Park User Needs (Accessibility): Include benches with varying heights to accommodate wheelchair users and individuals with mobility issues. Provide a mix of seating types (e.g., benches with and without armrests) to cater to different needs. Consider accessible pathways leading to the benches.

Aesthetics: The design should complement the park's environment. Consider the use of natural materials and colours that blend with the surroundings. The design should be visually appealing and inviting.

Material Selection: Consider durable and weather-resistant materials such as recycled plastic, timber treated for outdoor use, or metal with protective coatings. Prioritize materials with low maintenance requirements.

Sustainability: Use recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Design for disassembly to facilitate recycling at the end of the bench's life. Consider the embodied energy of the materials used.

Proposed Bench Design (Sketch): (A sketch would be included here, showing a bench with a slightly higher backrest for better support, a durable recycled plastic or timber seat, and a metal frame with protective coating. The design would incorporate a gentle slope for drainage.)