‚The chair-table’ (Masa-scaun) is an urban furniture module designed and produced within the Design and participatory urbanism workshop „Learning from Mănăștur #3: Co-producing the neighbourhood” initiated under the urban activation project „La Terenuri – Common space in Mănăștur”. This workshop was coordinated by the duo of architects Moradavaga (Portugal, Italy) and Silviu Medeșan during 15-22 Mai 2017, at Cinema Dacia in Mănăștur District and the green area „La Terenuri”. The workshop consisted of working sessions to produce urban furniture modules that would function as a connection between the green area and the cultural space of Cinema Dacia. The installation was designed together with architecture students and Mănăștur residents to be used as a multifunctional furniture within the community festival ‘Days of Mănăștur District #5’ (26-28 Mai 2017) and further project activities.
The Chair-able modules create a connection between Cinema Dacia – as a co-production and cultural representation space and the green area “La Terenuri” – a public space for experimentation. These two spaces were the main festival locations. In the design process we started with the following questions: how do we involve the final users in the process of designing an object? How can we encourage cultural production through architecture? How does architecture relate to the neighbourhood context?
Description of the modules produced: After the workshop 4 wooden furniture modules on wheels were produced, equipped with solar panels and Wi-Fi. These objects can be moved by a single person wherever it is needed. A module can be placed vertically, thus becoming a high chair, or it can be placed horizontally and thus becoming a table. The 4 modules can be set in various configurations: one long table, 4 high chairs, 2 chairs etc. These configurations may be used to arbitrate tennis matches (this sport is played in the ‚La Terenuri’ area), or as billboards, furniture for workshops, outdoor discussions etc. The solar panel for charging your phone or laptop and the internet connection transform these modules in independent working stations.
Credits:
Architects: Pedro Cavaco Leitão, Manfred Eccli, Silviu Medeșan
Workshop participants: Andreea Ardelean, Iunia Buricescu, Paula Ciuncanu, Maria Dragoș, Simona Faje, arh. Diana Galoș, Cristina Ilie, Spiro Koça, Bianca Mureșan, antrop. Lala Panait, Andreea Pașca Igna, Gabriel Sevan
Photos: Pedro Cavaco Leitão, Silviu Medeșan, Gabriel Sevan