The 2023 International MBA in Strategy, Program and Project Management at the Faculty of Management and Economics at the Gdansk University of Technology has developed a smart small town architecture project that meets the needs of the smart city.
Photo: Wojciech Ignalewski
© BENCHEE
The first element of the Benchee ecosystem is the bench, a traditional piece of urban furniture that takes the user to a new level, combining unconventional design with modern information and communication technologies and introducing the possibility of developing an interactive urban infrastructure.
The design process was preceded by analyses of market potential, distribution and evaluation of the desirability of the project. The guiding principle of the assumptions is a product that combines two materials - steel and polymers made from recycled plastic from waste from the Baltic Sea.
"It is important to emphasize the pro-ecological method of production, in which the process of steel surface preparation is carried out completely without the use of chemicals and the polymer parts come from 100% waste plastic,"
- explains Wojciech Ignalewski, who is responsible for the construction area at Benchee. In cooperation with ZEGGER TECH, a number of prototypes have been developed in line with the design and optimization of the process for production has begun.
Photo: Wojciech Ignalewski
© BENCHEE
The huge amount of plastic waste is one of the most serious global problems. You don't have to look far, in the Baltic Sea more than 60% of the waste is plastic - an environmentally hazardous material that could be successfully reused. One way to solve this problem is to use the waste to create new products in an environmentally friendly way, based on a closed material life cycle.
"Benchee," our innovative product, is the first item in a group of small architecture that is created according to the idea of an innovative, eco-friendly method of metal processing and the use of recycled plastic. Small urban architecture has a huge impact on the perception of the city. Elements such as benches, trash cans, flower pots or lamps shape the way we use urban space, influencing our daily experience and comfort of living."
- mentions Leszek Adamczyk, who is responsible for the infrastructure area.
The goal of the project is to create urban landscaping elements that are both aesthetically pleasing, durable and functional, as well as environmentally friendly, supporting smart city trends and the idea of sustainability.
Benchee's products will not only improve the appearance of public spaces, but also create a platform for environmental education. They will also help companies, local governments and institutions achieve their own ESG goals.
Photo: Wojciech Ignalewski
© BENCHEE
"We promote responsible production and consumption, and our benches are tangible proof that waste segregation and recycling work - one bench equals 216 recycled plastic bottles. Environmental education and raising public awareness are key values of the project. Our products not only serve users, but also inspire them to care for the environment."
- explains Izabela Chabowska, who is responsible for research and product development at Benchee.
"Benchee is not limited to process innovation. Intensive work is underway to equip the prototypes with interactive features that will allow simple games to be played directly with companions or with any other bench in the world through a connected ecosystem, thus creating a kind of social network. We plan to introduce intuitive games that will provide entertainment for everyone, regardless of age."
- explains Daniel Bak, who is responsible for R&D in the IT area.
The project also includes an option to equip the system's elements with air quality sensors, Wi-Fi access points and mobile device chargers. Each piece of landscaping can offer additional functions, such as monitoring the filling of trash garbage cans, supporting irrigation systems in pots, or surveying urban traffic. Benchee's goal is to create products that enrich users' daily experiences, and provide companies and institutions with the necessary data to plan and implement development strategies.
Photo credit: Wojciech Ignalewski
© BENCHEE
We are creating a line of products that fit into the trends of modern urban development and responsible production and consumption. Using locally sourced plastic, our products fit perfectly into this concept. By choosing Benchee products, you have a real impact on reducing the amount of plastic trash floating in the Baltic Sea. Join our community!
For more information, visit the company's BENCHEE page on the A&B portal.
