FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plastic Recurrence: A Revolutionary Public Bench Series

HIR Studio presents "Plastic Recurrence," a groundbreaking series of public benches designed for a district town hall in Hong Kong. The benches are crafted from recycled household plastic waste collected from the local community, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution.

The series comprises twelve benches, each featuring unique tactile textures and imperfect colors, adding a distinct character to the urban landscape. The design inspiration stems from the need to address plastic pollution in the legendary river in town, with the benches mirroring the curvilinear shapes of ripples on a river.

Utilizing recycled HDPE bottles, the benches are produced through a meticulous process of collecting, cleaning, processing, and molding the plastic waste into modular components. The innovative design not only repurposes plastic waste but also engages the community in the recycling process, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.

Plastic Recurrence stands out for its adaptability, with the ability to assemble different numbers of plastic modules in various rotations, offering flexibility in design and installation. The benches' curvilinear form not only provides functional seating but also naturally separates users for enhanced privacy, while the slanting humps offer freedom for children to sit in unexpected postures.

The project, which commenced in February 2019 in Shatin, Hong Kong, involved the collection of approximately 500 kg of HDPE bottles over two months. The plastic waste was then processed and transformed into the distinctive benches in a Chinese furniture factory, marking the first instance of such an initiative in Hong Kong.

Plastic Recurrence has garnered acclaim, receiving the Silver A' Design Award in 2021, recognizing its outstanding innovation, technical excellence, and positive impact on the community. The project's success serves as a testament to the potential of recycled materials in sustainable design and environmental conservation.

HIR Studio's "Plastic Recurrence" is a testament to the power of design in addressing environmental challenges, offering a compelling example of sustainable innovation and community engagement.

-END-