Living Willow Bench

Studio Part, a Belgian design studio, created a willow branch grown bench that stays usable with a metal cover as it grows and strengthens.

How It Works

"To set up the mould, the first half of the structure is fixed to screw-post foundations and the planted willows are woven through holes in the horizontal frame." (Griffiths, 2024)

"Once the willow has transformed into a sturdy bench-shaped tree, the mould and the screw foundations can be removed, leaving the roots unharmed and no trace of the man-made structure." (Griffiths, 2024)

"Initially, a metal cover is added on top of the formwork to create a functional bench from day one, while also protecting the willows during their early growing phase and stunting unwanted side branches." (Griffiths, 2024)

'"The initially high ecological impact [of the steel] can be nullified over time because of the circular use of the mould, as well as the high number of planted trees involved," said Van Mulders.' (Griffiths, 2024)

While I think this is a fun concept, the time needed for the bench to grow strong enough to use would be too long to reuse the same "frame" enough times to achieve the circularity it preaches. Would the willows actually be healthy? Would they ever reach maturity, given how densely they're planted? Would the studio continue to nurture the willows after installation?

References

Griffiths, A. (2024, August 28). Reusable formwork by studio part moulds trees into living bench. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2024/08/28/studio-part-willow-trees-bench-tenir/