As part of the Tzannes team, alongside Alec Tzannes, Bruce Chadlowe, and Allison Cronin, we were commissioned by the City of Sydney Council to design a suite of public domain furniture that reflects the city’s heritage, culture, and lifestyle.

Tzannes believe public domain furniture is part of a city’s cultural identity. While it might seem small at the scale of a city, a system of coordinated furniture elements forms part of the city’s character, enriching and connecting its various parts together, creating a sense of place.

The furniture range references the forms of industrial folded and fashioned metal plate, pared back timber and the strong contrast between light and shade that is a feature of the Sydney context.

The range developed includes seating, garbage bin capsules, bollards, light poles, a water bubbler, tree grate with guard and signage pylons. While the function of each of the products is quite different, we wanted to create a ‘family of elements’ that visually look to be part of suite. This has been achieved through consistent detailing, materials, finishes and manufacturing processes. We created two materials palettes- a stainless steel palette for the city centre and bronze for the surrounding urban ‘villages’.

The range is deployed across diverse urban spaces, including the central business district, new developments, light rail upgrades, parks, and suburbs. Additional items, such as park and picnic furniture and urban desks, have been added to extend the suite's versatility.

2016 Good Design Award Gold Winner / Product Furniture and Lighting

2016 Good Design Award Gold Winner / Architectural Place Design

2016 Red Dot Product Design Award / Product Design

Photography by Ben Guthrie, courtesy of Tzannes.