When landscape architect John Chipman founded Landscape Forms 50 years ago, it was a modest cottage-industry affair: Working with a small band of similarly minded landscape architects and landscapers, Chipman began by building benches in a backyard garage. His aim from day one was to produce solutions that improve the quality of time spent outdoors. Over the years, the brand has developed a diverse portfolio, partnering with industrial designers, architects and landscape architects from across the globe.
To celebrate the milestone, the company recently launched its Generation 50 line. A contemporary interpretation of some of its classic designs, the collection includes benches and litter bins designed by landscape architect (and John’s nephew) Robert Chipman. While made from rugged materials – wood, steel, cast aluminum – the pieces are elegant and refined and offer multiple application possibilities. Benches can be configured with or without backs in freestanding, cantilevered or wall-mounted form and with curved or straight slats.
Looking back at the last five decades, these are three of our favourite Landscape Forms designs:
Part of the 35 Collection, a collaboration with frog design that originally began in 2003, the Chill chaise lounge has a sweeping form that supports the human body. The intention behind the 35 Collection – which also includes benches, a table with integrated seating and lighting – was to create attractive spaces where people want to gather, and Chill fits the bill perfectly, offering a comfortable spot to sit and socialize. Made from 100 per cent recyclable rotational-moulded polyethylene, it’s hardy enough for use in commercial environments, and it can be rendered in nine bold colourways.
In many cities, taking public transit can be an ordeal at the best of times. Wanting to better that experience, Landscape Forms partnered with the BMW Group Designworks to develop Connect 2.0, a bus shelter that beautifully blends form with function. Simple lines are highlighted by transparency thanks to an open design that works to complement its surroundings while providing a safe and inviting spot for people to wait. A component of the Metro 40 collection, the shelter is flexible by nature: The aluminum structure can be configured with or without side and back panels of tempered laminated safety glass and the roof can be tempered glass or louvered or solid aluminum. A layered arrangement of LEDs (which can be powered through a grid or solar panels) contributes to the overall sense of security and comfort the shelter creates.
Created with Swiss designer Yves Béhar and his studio fuseproject – Landscape Form’s first series intended for an international market and Béhar’s first outdoor furniture collection – MultipliCITY was developed as an initiative to combine mass production with customization. Comprised of sculptural cast-aluminum structures that can be flat-packed for shipping, the versatile system can be customized with horizontal surfaces made from regionally sourced wood upon arrival, which significantly reduces the cost of shipping, supports sustainable carbon reduction and gives designers the flexibility to create countless expressions and configurations. With benching, bike racks, tables, path lighting and litter bins, the collection is applicable on multiple scales and in a variety of public spaces.
To celebrate 50 years of designing for the outdoors, Landscape Forms launches the Generation 50 line of sculptural benches and litter bins.