How to connect visitors in a commercial shopper
street? What do shoppers need to take a rest?
What blends in existing architecture and shapes
of De Koopgoot, yet welcomes and attracts?
For The Koopgoot, one of the busiest commercial shopping streets in The Netherlands with millions of visitors year round, The Young envisioned new seating. We decided to focus on colorful and green resting areas that encourage conversation between visitors. So the Koopgoot would become a place to stay rather than to pass through.
The Young worked together with Phil Proctor, Rotterdam-based designer, to develop the furniture. A major source of inspiration was the unique view of the shopping street from above. The colorful, playful and eye-catching shapes are based on a unified design language that emphasizes the unique architecture around and different perspectives of the Koopgoot. Central to the resting areas are the green-filled planters – allowing for low maintenance yet lush greens with colorful flowers.
The poppy yellow color cuts through the clutter of retail information and makes sure the benches don’t go unnoticed and welcome visitors to take a rest.
For the realization and installation we carefully selected local manufacturers and transport company working in close proximity and also proudly on the furniture they would use as well when they go shopping. Stainless steel was chosen as the basic material. This offers the most structural strength while maintaining elegance in the design. The stainless steel that has been used can infinitely be recycled. The polyester coating allows for extremely durable surface coloring.
We know for a fact that it’s highly appreciated by skateboarders.
For this project we’ve worked together with studio Phil Procter.