Residents and visitors to Ealing can now try out three new eye-catching benches in North Acton station square as part of a capital-wide festival of architecture.

The benches were installed in June to make the new North Acton station square an appealing place for passers-by to linger in and enjoy.

As part of an initiative by Ealing Council and partners Imperial College, City and Docklands, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and New London Architecture, the new benches were each created by a different London based designer.

The three seating installations are AFLOAT by MS-TC Studio, Tod Chair by Michela Damone and VVV by Kommune. The designs were inspired by themes including movement, sustainability, and London’s waterside environment. Some of the benches feature parts that are sustainable and have been recycled or can be recycled.

Social distancing informed the positioning of the bench installations which have been placed to bring people together in an outside environment.  Those who choose to take a few minutes to sit on the benches can enjoy the new town square and the urban greenery that is emerging naturally within its borders and maybe enjoy a spontaneous conversation with others taking the opportunity to sit. 

Visitors to the square can find out more about the inspiration behind the benches, and how they were designed by scanning a QR code and listening to an audio recording from the three designers. The QR code will also link to a survey where residents will be able to give their views about the installations and what else they would like to see within the new square, such as pop up markets and events.

The installations will feature as part of New London Architecture’s London Festival of Architecture that will run throughout summer 2021. After the festival, the council will look at the survey responses to consider next steps for the square’s future use.

Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth, said: “I hope those passing through the square will take time to pause and enjoy the benches. At a time when we are all starting to meet up with each other again, I’m sure these benches will stimulate people’s views, whether they like or dislike them.

“Take part in the survey. This is a space for you and your views are what will decide the future look and feel of the North Acton station square.”