The city of Atlanta is well known for its railroads and the role they played in its spatial organization. However, a substantial part of its accumulation of wealth and ability to survive during the Civil War is attributed to the output of the local textile factories. Atlanta housed multiple large-volume facilities that were extremely influential to the growth and establishment of the local and neighboring communities.

    This bench uses brass flat stock to stitch the two halves of the wood seats together both figuratively and literally. This symbolic performance echoes the movement of the historic textile machines, which moved huge reams of fabric from one large wheel to another as they made their way through the production process. The brass bars also represent how the BeltLine stitches together many Atlanta communities. The structural steel legs, which seem to rise out of the ground, signify the growth and advancement of Atlanta’s pedestrian activity throughout the city while the mass of the two seat halves represent a railroad tie to convey the importance this mode of transport had on the city.

    The bench’s top sections are offset from each other allowing them to interlock when placed side by side. This will create a seat as long as required. The ends also taper to create a special seat or place for children and squirrels to perch. At trail entrances and other important landmarks, a USB port can be hardwired into the bench to charge up to eight phones. In places where wayfinding or pathway light is important solar powered LED lights can be integrated into the core rail of the bench. All wood used in the bench is reclaimed from Atlanta properties. Although not shown here, this bench design can feature back support.