June 25, 2003—Davis Furniture’s Aero Bench Series in refined extruded aluminum construction made a clean sweep in The Best of NeoCon Awards Program by receiving the Best of Competition award, and a Gold in the seating category. Design team Lievor/Altherr/Molina developed Aero as an alternative to public seating, creating a structure simple in shape but structurally resistant, using the smallest possible number of elements. The intent was to make for visual tranquility with the rigorous styling of contemporary architecture.
At the beginning of the design process, several elements and materials were considered that could be used for their lightness and strength. The concept centered on the early years of aeronautics. Researching the materials, the designers came up with items like supporting structures, struts, textured metal plates, aluminum, stainless steel, etc., that were all the foundation for the first airplanes. How appropriate, comments Davis Furniture on the design approach, since this year is the centennial celebration of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Davis Furniture is headquartered in High Point, North Carolina.
“We pictured the bench like an airplane wing resting on an almost immaterial structure, as if it was floating in the air,” says Jeannette Altherr. Thus, the name was also develop—AERO, along with the basic material concept. The structural integrity of the design is integrated into the construction of the three aluminum extrusions. The webbed internal structure of each hollow extrusion produces great rigidity. Each piece interlocks into the next forming one stable unit. To finish the unit, side profiles of stainless steel closes off each end. Supporting all completed units are two legs–and only two–leg units that resemble the cross structures on antique bi-planes that extend from wing to wing.
The Aero Standard Bench is offered in three models: all aluminum (AE-8000 Series), polyurethane back and seat (AE-8010 Series), and upholstered insert (AE-8020 Series). This assortment of models responds to all the different market demands, including outdoor use with the all aluminum benches.
All three models may be specified in two, three, four, five, six, and seven seat units. Backless benches are also available in three and four seat units in the all aluminum model only. All benches are pre-assembled at the factory and will be shipped complete, except for legs and end tables. Arms in wood, polyurethane, or upholstery may be specified to create personal space. Each unit may be ordered with side tables that are also constructed of aluminum extrusions. All bench units may be attached to the floor, wall hung, or ganged together.
The aluminum models may be used indoors but are also appropriate for outdoor settings on the corporate campus, as well as open public atriums. All benches may be secured to the floor through the integrated design of the foot casting. The aluminum surface has a ribbed texture that provides a non-slip surface and additional durability. A natural color anodized chemical finish is applied to harden and protect the aluminum. Since an anodized finish becomes chemically part of the aluminum, this finish does not rub off and is easy to clean with non-abrasive soap and water.
Aluminum is recyclable, and anodizing is an environmentally friendly process, which utilizes water-based chemicals. The main liquid and solid by-products are easily isolated, and either recycled into the process or used as raw materials in other processes.
For more information, contact Davis Furniture.
