This Cob bench was designed as a part of an Earthen Construction Class taught by Lola Ben-Alon. The class taught about earthen construction techniques and the contemporary applications. The final project was the design and construction of a bench for a client, Braddock Urban Farms. This project began as a partner project between Caprianna Keeler and then presented to the rest of the class and the client. After the Client feedback our project was chosen for construction with adjustments to the design, implemented by the class according to the necessity of the Farm. Meeting with the client the two most desired components of the sitting area were that it seated a minimum of ten people, and that the space is allocated in order to provide access to the teaching garden and the greenhouse. The bench is split up into two parts because we wanted to provide access to the teaching garden at two locations as well as allowing for drainage between the two bench structures. The circle design of the bench was chosen to provide a sense of community between people using the bench, but also to allow for ease of communication during teaching sessions. The lower elevation of the smaller bench allows for ease of access to the learning garden, such that sitting on the bench, one could easily turn around and see the teaching garden behind. The large opening allows for easy access to the seating area and provides a view of the rest of the farm.
