The Green Bench
In particular, the Corona pandemic has highlighted people's need for green spaces and interaction with other people. The approach of a limited mobile bench for public spaces for several people with the possibility of simultaneous planting can meet these needs.
Possible locations could be central public spaces such as the market square, but also more specific locations. For example, in a school, rehabilitation centre, retirement home or cemetery. Depending on the location and user group, different types of planting can be chosen. For example, labour-intensive perennials, annuals or vegetables. Special uses, such as the function of a mourning bench in the cemetery, could complement the general interaction between people when gardening.
The design aims to address the current needs of people in times of isolation and health crises, while also addressing the issue of climate change. Biochar as a way of storing carbon can be presented to the general public in its application. By using it in the concrete of the planting basin and in the planting substrate, the benefits in different areas of application become clear.
The outdoor area of the MUSA in Göttingen was chosen as the location for the prototype of the CO2-neutral bench with trellis. The MUSA is the largest socio-cultural centre in Göttingen and the district and includes a very extensive project area, district work and networking. In addition to concerts and performances, the programme includes cultural (political) work, meetings, seminars, conferences and the promotion of young talent.
MUSA has a nationwide network of collaborations and enjoys working with other cultural institutions.
MUSA is a member of the Sociocultural Association of Lower Saxony and is therefore networked with all sociocultural centres in Lower Saxony: www.soziokultur-niedersachsen.de.
MUSA co-operates with all other cultural institutions in the city and is a member of the association KUNST (culture supports the city). MUSA is also involved in neighbourhood work, has a seat on the Weststadt Conference, organises projects for young people and other Weststadt residents, and tries to facilitate living together in the district (www.weststadt-goettingen.de).
