Rocking bench

Rocking bench,
by Duncan Graham.

A call for playfulness and for a bit of fun in today’s less than fun world, the Rocking Bench stands out with its bright, yellow colour, and seeks to encourage interaction while keeping people safely apart. Inspired in part by the beam scales once used in the Royal Docks to weigh imported goods, the bench uses a simple rocking motion to provide a connection for friends, family, and neighbours, but also calls out for companions for those sat alone. The bench consists of CNC cut plywood fastened together with steel rods, and was manufactured entirely within the Lee Valley.

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In Autumn 2020, the LFA and Royal Docks Team unveiled a series of benches across the Royal Docks as part of the Pews and Perches design competition. The competition invited architecture and design students, recent graduates and emerging practitioners to deliver a playful new take on street furniture that can celebrate the Royal Docks and the communities at home in the area – a series of conversation starters to re-connect everyone with nature and the docks’ built environment. Many of the benches are still in place today and can be seen when walking around the docks.

To hear Duncan share the story behind their bench click on the event link.