Design for a public bench inspired by the art of Origami paper folding, in conjunction with Amrita Padan. The paper crane has long represented healing in a number of Eastern cultures, notably in Japan where there is a belief that crafting 1,000 will grant the crafter a wish, often good health.
The paper crane is an achievable shape for novices, indeed children often practice the art as it feels almost magical to transform a flat piece of paper into something imbued with so much personality simply through folding. When extruded to a larger scale this sense of magic and wonder is only enhanced.
We imagine a crane for those unable to make one for themself, decorated with artwork depicting what it means to be a 'londoner'; a symphony of varied age, race, gender, wealth, health and passions represented in a graphic blue print, a recognition of the incredible work carried out by NHS and support workers during the pandemic.
