When we think of IKEA, we usually picture the iconic blue building where we buy furniture for our homes. What many people do not realize is that IKEA is also the owner and developer of major commercial destinations across Europe.
For Río Shopping Mall in Valladolid owned by Ikea Center Group, we were commissioned to design and manufacture a series of large-scale wooden benches capable of withstanding the intensive use of one of Spain’s busiest shopping centres, welcoming more than 15,000 visitors during peak weekend days.
Developed through a parametric design process and fabricated from precisely cut plywood sections, the pieces combine sculptural form, structural performance and public functionality. Built as highly robust, near-solid structures, they were finished with the same high-resistance varnishes commonly used on professional basketball courts to ensure years of heavy public use.
The result is a collection of furniture pieces that transform circulation spaces into places for rest, interaction and gathering while showcasing the potential of digital design and advanced manufacturing.
Materials: Pinetree plywood, steel conectors.
Design: Eriné Vardanyan and Professor Cuevas + Sergio Alonso del Campo (controlmad).
Fabrication: Professor Cuevas + Sergio Alonso del Campo (controlmad).
Location: Valladolid.
