LEISURE
THE NEW AGE OF THE PUBLIC REALM All Urban discusses why play sculptures are key to the future of our outdoor public spaces.
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public spaces are more O urimportant today than ever.
Creating inclusive public spaces
Once a part of towns and cities that many would take for granted or barely give a second thought to, in 2020, outdoor public spaces became crucial to social interaction, virtually overnight. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our outdoor public spaces provided a place for urban residents to safely spend time out of their homes and with others. People and communities have had to reassess the environments in which we live. At All Urban, we want to see public realms that reflect these changes and meet the demands of our new normal. Being forced out of our usual routines and indoor habits and spaces has made us realise that we need flexible, multifunctional and accessible areas in our cities.
Imagine a space that can adapt to the rhythm of the day. Somewhere people can work whilst their children play, where teenagers and elders alike can exercise, relax or meet others. One company that is striving to meet the rising demand for sustainable and inclusive public spaces is moveART, a brand we are proud to have in our portfolio. Founded by Norbert Roztocki in 2015, the Swiss-based company designs play sculptures that encourage and facilitate many uses, creating stunning pieces of functional art. moveART’s latest pieces, ‘The Eye’ and ‘The Circle’, are built for our contemporary way of living. Both could be seen in one of Europe’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibitions;
the eighth Swiss Triennial Festival of Sculpture’s Bad RagARTz, which ran from May through to October 2021.
Versatile, functional and durable art The Circle is the first moveable object by moveART. The sculpture sits on a circular rail, hence the name, and can be pushed around its axis to suit the different needs of the user. The capabilities and configurations are endless. The Circle combines different functions, which are often contrasting, such as work and play, or exercise and relaxation, and it targets different user groups whose needs aren’t typically considered and met together. For example, a businessman looking to catch up on emails and a family wanting to spend
time together and play. Features, such as its table, mean The Circle can be used simultaneously as an outdoor workspace and a playground. The Circle offers an interesting solution to the new issues we face and the need for adaptable outdoor spaces for work, leisure and socialisation. This sculpture can be sat on, lounged on, walked on and climbed on; it is versatile and durable. Offering something for everyone, the brilliance of this piece lies in the creativity of the user. Plus, it provides a stunning visual contribution to the landscape. In a world where outdoor living and working is both an expectation and may continue to be a requirement, having adaptable pieces like this within the public realm is essential.
