Upcycled Public Seating Design

Designers: Sino Group, Hong Kong, SAR

Manufacturer: Sino Group, Hong Kong, SAR

Sino Group co-launches “Upcycled Public Seating Design” with PolyU School of Design Purpose: Uses upcycled materials to create interactive yet green public seats. Nurtures youth in Hong Kong; pushes forward innovations; and facilitates community interaction Project Description: Sino Group has been actively launching and participating in multiple policies and activities that are conducive to the sustainable development of the community. 

In September 2021, the Group even collaborated with PolyU School of Design to launch a project entitled “Upcycling Public Seating Design”, requiring participants to reach the goal of sustainable development by using materials recycled by the Environmental Protection Department. A total of three groups of PolyU final year students studying Product Design, Environmental and Interior Design, Social Design, and Advertising Design took part in the project. They completed their seat prototypes, beginning with a user engagement survey at Lee Tung Avenue and a mock-up site display and interaction to better understand the community’s needs. 

After that, in a launch event, the students introduced the prototypes to the public before realising them at Lee Tung Avenue. Their products—environmentally friendly public seating—were installed at Lee Tung Avenue permanently, aiming to engage the public and enhance interaction between them and the community. 

Introduction to three upcycled public seating designs: 

1. Yuen Ying Design Idea: Using upcycled wood and back-lit effect, modular main units and sub-units were created to provide a dynamic public area that accommodates everyone’s seating needs and creative interests. Users can freely combine the different seat elements to come up with innovative sitting angles. 

2. ootsDog Design Idea: Made of steel structure with an upcycled wood, the seat features an “Egg Roll,’ “Standing Snake” and “Snow Sled” design, providing different levels and comfortable resting angles for both shoppers and their pets to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Lee Tung Avenue. 

3. Joy‧D Design Idea: Made of perforated metal and upcycled wood, the bench is a mix of playful, colourful and uniquely shaped modules in free form, which making it even more practical, interesting, and “instagrammable.”