FLOAT by Akasaki Vanhuyse

Four winning design teams have been selected to have their benches installed as part of the fourth edition of our Pews and Perches competition, each offering a unique perspective and interpretation of the LFA theme ‘In Common’.

FLOAT is a round, faceted bench that takes inspiration from maritime objects and the nearby curved wharf. By cutting and layering deadstock bricks, the bench draws on the material as a symbol of the local area – a nod to the industrial brick buildings that surround the bench – and subverts material conventions by creating a round, soft shape that provides an interactive seating area and meeting spot for the public.

FLOAT is by Akasaki Vanhuyse, and can be found at Royal Albert Wharf. AKASAKI VANHUYSE is a London-based architecture and design studio established in 2022 by Japanese architect Kenta Akasaki and French designer Astrid Vanhuyse, following experiences at Matheson Whiteley (UK), Nendo (JP) and Marc Berthier (FR). Merging their perspectives of architecture and industrial design, they collaborate on a variety of projects including space, furniture, product, innovation and research. Their approach is driven by the search for creative, thoughtful and lasting solutions.

Click the video or the link to hear Kenta and Astrid share the story behind their design.