Creating inclusive public spaces with Velopa

The denser our cities become, the greater the longing for open urban living spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas or simply be. Whether after work, during leisure time or while travelling – public places are sources of regeneration and inspiration and provide an essential quality of life.

This need has intensified over the course of the pandemic, but is ultimately as old as urban development itself. The agora – the market and assembly place of the Greek – was already the centre of urban life, where debates, negotiations and politicisation took place. A versatile and constructive place, to which we owe our democracy.

Today, public spaces are characterised above all by their attractiveness and multifunctionality, which enable multi-layered encounters. In addition, the design and furnishing must not only take into account the issues of our time, from environmental protection to inclusivity, but also comply with certain specifications. A whole series of challenges that require holistic concepts.

Velopa, the Swiss expert for contemporary outdoor furniture, has been developing trend-setting solutions for cities, communities, companies and institutions for over 80 years. With exemplary product innovations and a high level of consulting expertise, their goal is to create barrier-free, ecologically designed and aesthetically pleasing open spaces that facilitate social interaction and promote self-determined mobility.

A forward-looking vision that Velopa has been making a reality since its foundation – with contextual street furniture design that puts users at the centre of the process. One of the results is v-elements®, a multi-part collection that currently consists of the Toya bench, the Akira roof system and the Kondo waste disposal bin and creates positive impressions and experiences in public spaces.

In addition to its high standards of form, function and materiality, v-elements® makes room for everyone and takes into account both everyday behavioural patterns and cross-generational needs. Unlike other benches that are too low, not ergonomic or offer no recognition features for people with visual impairments, the entire collection thinks ahead and fulfils all the legal requirements of the Disability Equality Act (BehiG).

The issue of sustainability also plays a role, as all objects were locally produced and made exclusively from Swiss fir wood and recycled steel. So lots of skills for a piece of furniture that integrates so simply and unobtrusively into interstitial spaces and yet gives them their own identity.

All three elements were designed by renowned industrial designer and ETH engineer Daniel Hunziker, whose concept follows the Japanese design approach of consciously perceiving spaces in between as space. The Toya seating furniture is available in different versions. Short or long, sometimes with and sometimes without a backrest. However, the basic construction of frame, crossbar and slats is always the same. An advantage when it comes to space-saving storage or the replacement of individual parts. All pieces meet the legal requirements for barrier-free and age-appropriate design with their raised armrests and seats for senior citizens as well as an integrated tactile traverse for the visually impaired.

The Akira roof system also shines with its versatility and can be used as a bicycle shelter, rain protection or shade. With its open form and characteristic folding roof, it’s an airy, light-footed replacement for another, larger piece of architecture.

Nor is the topic of waste disposal swept under the rug, with the clear call to tidiness and environmental awareness that's embodied by the Kondo system. Despite its formal restraint, it's available as a single container or complete system, with or without ashtray or bag dispenser – and makes clear what belongs in the bin.

No matter what the turning point is in shaping the future of our cities, Velopa is always at the forefront – that includes the mobility revolution. As a leading company for urban outdoor furniture with decades of expertise, Velopa has become an expert for mechanical and digital bike parking systems.

A large number of successful examples show that Velopa's solutions have become an integral part of urban development concepts. From public to private spaces, Toya, Akira and Kondo are as functional in apartment buildings and residential complexes as they are in parks and urban centres.

After all, these are not just beautifully shaped objects, but mindful everyday companions that provide space, protection and cleanliness in order to enrich our lives together. Who knows what promising ideas will be born at the next park bench meeting.

© Architonic