Chapters is a fresh take on public park furniture, brought to life by designer Myrto Alexandra Andrianopoulou during her studies at the Royal College of Art. Inspired by the quiet presence of book readers, this collection is designed specifically to enhance individual moments in London’s green spaces. Rather than aiming to replace the city’s iconic double benches, Chapters offers new possibilities for how people can experience parks.
The collection features four distinct pieces: Rest, Pause, Tilt, and Nest. Each piece is thoughtfully shaped to support different postures, whether you are sitting, lounging, or standing. This focus on versatility encourages users to engage with each piece in their own way, making every visit to the park a more personal experience. Chapters is ideal for those seeking a quiet moment to read, reflect, or simply take in the natural environment, but its modular design also means units can be combined to create inviting social spaces.
Designer: Myrto Alexandra Andrianopoulou
London’s parks are known for their traditional benches, which have become an integral part of the city’s park culture. While these classic seats have their charm, they tend to follow a uniform design that does not always cater to the variety of ways people use public spaces today. The designer’s approach with Chapters is to complement, not compete with, these benches. By introducing new silhouettes and encouraging flexible use, Chapters celebrates the diversity of daily life in London’s parks and answers the growing desire for spaces that support both solitude and community.
One of the standout features of the collection is its unified olive green color. This subtle shade was chosen to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, allowing the furniture to harmonize with its surroundings rather than draw attention away from the park’s beauty. The pieces are crafted from powder-coated mild steel and iroko wood, giving them a tactile, durable quality that is perfect for outdoor use. The materials not only ensure longevity but also provide a pleasant touch for users.
The names of the pieces hint at the different ways people might use them: Rest, Pause, Tilt, and Nest. Some offer a comfortable place to recline and read, others invite users to perch or lean for a brief pause, and a few are designed for more upright or active engagement. Their flexible forms mean that anyone can find a piece that suits their mood, whether they are seeking a moment of solitude or a spot to connect with others.
Chapters is both a set of park seats and an invitation to rethink how we use public spaces, and to make room for quiet, personal moments as well as shared experiences. By celebrating the simple act of reading in the park, this collection brings a new layer of care and creativity to London’s outdoor spaces.
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