Landscape Forms Introduces STRATA

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May 21, 2014

Landscape Forms is pleased to introduce STRATA, an innovative collection of MeldStone™ benches and tables and the first Landscape Forms product specifically designed to employ the company’s proprietary MeldStone™ Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) technology. Created in collaboration with industrial designer Jess Sorel, STRATA takes brilliant advantage of MeldStone’s capability for casting thin, strong forms that are structurally robust and heavy while visually light and fluid. Richard Heriford, President of Landscape Forms, explains, "The introduction of STRATA celebrates Landscape Forms's acquisition of Meld, the exciting incorporation of our MeldStone technology, and our expanded manufacturing presence in the U.S."

"MeldStone raises the bar on what cast concrete site furniture can be," states Kirt Martin, Vice President of Design and Marketing. “Having the knowledge and capabilities in house to get really thin cross-sections with a lot of structure enables us to do things that haven’t been done before. With STRATA we have begun exploring the frontier opened up by this material and process innovation to create something original and beautiful."

STRATA is distinguished by strong horizontal planes and large flat surfaces. The angularity where these intersect makes it come alive. Elements include a straight bench with and without back, a backless angled bench and an asymmetric six-sided table all, of which can be positioned in multiple ways to create interesting geometric structures. The bench seat is chamfered: thick at the center and progressively thinner as it expands toward the edges, and faceted where angles come together. Facets are obvious in some places, quite subtle in others. A steel under-frame with legs spans the length of the 84” bench like a bridge and bolts invisibly to the underside. Extending the plane past the base at the ends makes the seat appear to float. The top and seat of the backed bench are a single casting. A cutout in the bench back breaks up the long plane and provides views through to the landscape.

The asymmetry of key elements adds interest and utility. Right and left angled benches provide subtle corners, so people who are conversing can sit at angles to one another. Straight and angled benches play off each other. Benches can be placed end-to-end, or the end of one bench can be positioned against the back of another. Tables can be arranged in multiples to create cell-like structures. In addition to their obvious function, they help define seating relationships, break up space and can serve as additional informal seating areas. Designer Jess Sorel explains “Our goal was to find a gesture for STRATA that speaks to serenity and contemplation. The pieces have a certain ambiguity about them. Their use is interpreted, as opposed to being absolutely proscriptive, which opens up experimentation for designers and planners.” STRATA is ideal for parks, campuses and other public social spaces. Its clean modern simplicity compliments multiple architectures and spaces. Benches are offered with optional steel arms and skate stops. Steel parts are Pangard™ powdercoated.

About Landscape Forms

Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated collections of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting. Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales representatives throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Southern Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. Additionally, the company has formed global marketing partnerships with select companies that share its commitment to design. Landscape Forms has an installed base of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. The company was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US.

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