onit benches

Designing furniture that brings people together.

Encouraging interaction through modularity, sustainability, and simple human connection.

Client
Ahrend , HHS
Year
2021
Intro / Project & Idea

As our introductory bachelor project, we were challenged by Ahrend, a leading Dutch furniture company, to design new furniture for their catalogue that encourages social interaction.

We explored a range of concepts individually before aligning on a shared vision: a modular, durable bench system that adapts to different spaces and fosters spontaneous connection. The focus was on creating something functional yet playful: a piece that invites people to sit, share, and shape their environment together.

Result

Our final concept was a three-part modular bench, constructed with recycled HDPE for strength, lightness, and sustainability. A simple friction mount system ensured easy assembly, even in outdoor or public settings, allowing the bench to be rearranged freely into countless configurations.

The result was not just a piece of furniture, but a social platform: a system that adapts to its users instead of the other way around. Through its design, we highlighted how thoughtful construction and material choice can encourage interaction, accessibility, and creative expression in shared spaces.

Next project
A dynamic retail display through light, motion, and modular design.