The Sensory Bench Project has re-greened parts of the University of Westminster’s Marylebone Campus, creating new green spaces for the University community to pause in Central London.
Rebecca Weller and Christy Prothero, who studied Architecture BA Honours at Westminster, have created palleted benches from scaffolding boards, that incorporate flower beds, in the rear podium of Marylebone. The project was supported by Maria Kramer, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Cities.
The benches encourage social interactions on campus, improving the experiences of colleagues, students and visitors. Going forward, tutors will be able to make use of the space for informal meetings with students, enriching their learning experience. The calm, quiet environment the benches provide is intended to help the University community’s wellbeing.
The Sensory Bench Project was part of the Green Fund Initiative. It is also part of the Live Design Practice, which includes the community hub live prototype, on the same podium at Marylebone Campus.
Kramer said: “Our students learnt about the entire design and construction process. We had meetings with makers to discuss detailing and feasibility and students took the lead on the construction, learning so much from the complexity of managing the different aspects of construction, including health and safety procedures. Such an experience is often difficult to obtain in an academic as well as in a professional environment.
“This project aims to further enhance students’ employability and green credentials. Students have been able to accompany the complex, non-linear process, engaging with stakeholders early on in their career whilst learning about plant life and biodiversity.”
Find out about Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design courses at the University of Westminster.
Learn about the University’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.
