A Cautionary Bench/Mark

A Cautionary Bench/Mark,
by Andre Kong Studio, with support from Andrew Tan, Daniel Meier and the learners at UTC (Ginters, Gleb, Maria, Samson, Sonny and Sumaya)

Andre Kong is the founder of Andre Kong Studio, an emerging architecture practice that explores how material tradition, context and technological innovation can be unexpectedly combined to develop fun, elegant, and future-proof solutions for sustainable and inclusive buildings, objects and experiences. Special thank you to Andrew Tan, Daniel Meier and the learners at UTC for their support in making the bench.

A Cautionary Bench/Mark is built from reclaimed materials and is set on two levels. The lower bench invites passers-by to sit and reflect on the individual and collective actions that will lead to the higher level looming 2.6m above - the water level expected during a severe tidal storm in 2030.
The red gradient of the bench, reminiscent of a change in colour caused by cumulative water level marks and highlighting the increasing risk, reinforces the urgency to act on the climate crisis now or never.

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A Cautionary Bench/Mark is one of five winning benches from the third edition of Pews and Perches design competition from the London Festival of Architecture and Royal Docks Team.
Now in its third year, the Pews and Perches competition highlights the transformative impact of small-scale interventions in the public realm and offers visitors and residents alike unique spaces to sit and make the most of their surrounding public space.

You can hear Andre sharing about the story behind their design by clicking on the event link.