Jongno-gu has been implementing the More Benches for Resting project in response to the growing demand for outdoor, contact-free rest spaces due to COVID-19. The official name of the bench, “Your Seat,” symbolizes a chair that you donate and use — a comfortable place of rest for your neighbors (and yourself). In support of this initiative, Amorepacific and Sampyo Group agreed to donate benches to the project over a three-year period. In 2021, the second year of the partnership, Amorepacific’s designers took the lead in designing the benches themselves. Amorepacific contributed cosmetic bottle flasks and design direction, while Sampyo managed the production. This year, eight benches were donated to Changdeok Park in collaboration with Jongno-gu Natural Green Space on September 5, in celebration of Resource Recycling Day.
Concept
Amorepacific’s GREENCYCLE campaign, one of its key social contribution initiatives, not only collects used cosmetic containers from stores for recycling but also creatively reuses and upcycles various byproducts from the production process into artworks. Through these eco-friendly activities, the company aims to promote harmony with nature.
As of 2020, Amorepacific has collected a total of 2,203 tons of used containers and continues to research diverse recycling methods to minimize environmental impact. By separating glass and plastic materials, the company reuses them to create new cosmetic containers or upcycles them into items such as flower pots, candles, and artworks, pursuing a range of sustainable practices driven by customer participation.
The Curve Bench is part of this upcycling initiative, incorporating crushed pieces of Amorepacific’s used cosmetic containers. The flask fragments were used in their largest possible sizes to emphasize the unique colors and shapes of each container. The bench itself was constructed using Samwoo’s ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC).
“A bench designed for comfortable
seating — its very form is the result
of the design itself.”
When designing the benches, the most important consideration was how to enhance the experience of sitting—even if only briefly—and the quality of time spent there. Could people truly rest, even for a short while? Could that moment become something special? Could benches in a park offer a different way of spending time compared to those in the city? We also aimed to recreate the natural atmosphere of the original site.
The core of the design lies in the seamless, optimized curve that flows from the knees to the hips and waist—this curve is the essence of the bench’s form. The seat connects naturally to the backrest, enabling the bench to stand independently, while the mold design was simplified to minimize resource waste, resulting in a minimalist silhouette. To help people enjoy the surrounding scenery and spend time more comfortably, we added a backrest, fine-tuned the reclining angle, and incorporated a 1-degree slope on the seat to prevent water from pooling.
The park where the bench will be installed is surrounded by a dense forest stretching 20 meters and the walls of Changdeokgung Palace. Although it is currently under construction, it connects to Jongmyo Shrine via a pathway, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
One unfortunate aspect is that the park’s floor is made of cement, which can detract from the natural and comfortable atmosphere. To offset this, we chose a bench color that would complement the surroundings. In consideration of the cultural heritage protection zone, we selected a light brown hue that reflects the earthy tones of nature.
After considering various elements such as the park’s location, the walls of Changdeokgung Palace, the surrounding trees, and its visitors, we aimed to create a bench that feels as though it has always been part of the landscape, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. We believe it fulfills its purpose if it offers a moment of joy or rest to passersby and those who sit on it, while harmoniously integrating into the park.
Work Title: Curve Bench
Size: 1,600 x 690 x 696h
Materials: Ultra-high-strength concrete (UHPC) in brown, recycled cosmetic bottle fragments in various colors
