HAVN Furniture

ZESO Architects designed a flexible, modular furniture system for public seating which is inspired by the characteristic timber wharf edges of the canals in Copenhagen.

The simple design is exceptionally versatile and can be assembled as building blocks in many different geometrical formations. HAVN is developed for easy assembly and endless possibilities of site-specific adaptation in both temporary and permanent settings. In a temporary setting, the furniture can easily be stacked and stored away. Depending on the formation HAVN can both invite conversation or create space for different groups or individuals sitting by themselves.

The first version of HAVN was developed in response to a brief from Copenhagen Airport for ‘fast pace’ seating in passenger areas and particularly for temporary areas that would change location and shape several times due to adjacent construction sites. It was critical that the furniture system was quickly and easily adaptable to these changes and could accommodate many passengers travelling alone and in various group constellations.

ZESO Architects also wanted to work with circularity and support Copenhagen Airport’s ambitions for reducing CO₂e emissions from their material purchases. Therefore, we approached SMALLrevolution, a Copenhagen-based company who transform plastic waste into new products. SMALLrevolution produced the design in plastic upcycled from decommissioned waste bins in Copenhagen city. In this way the upcycled plastic version of HAVN both supports circularity and makes the furniture site-specific to the airport’s location.

HAVN’s version in recycled plastic is commercially available through SMALLrevolution.