Skive Municipality – Urban Renewal Hem
Hem Bench Case INTRODUCTION
Designing for Dialogue
As part of a wider urban renewal project, the HEM Bench was created to support social life in Hem – one of the few growing villages in Skive Municipality. The project was driven by a strong local spirit and a deep desire to strengthen public meeting places.
The Hem Bench project, part of Skive Municipality’s urban renewal programme, was designed to support local dialogue and sustainable public seating.
The HEM Bench is more than just a place to sit. It is a sculptural piece of social infrastructure – a bench where residents literally lean on one another for support. The design breaks with the traditional linear bench, encouraging face-to-face conversation and shared presence.
Community Infrastructure
Social furniture designed to foster conversation, connection, and care in public space.
Sustainable
Design
Locally sourced materials and circular construction anchored in low-impact production.
CONCEPT & FORM
Fractal Forms and Circular Thinking
Inspired by nature’s own logic – the golden ratio and fractal geometry – the shape of the bench invites interaction from multiple angles. There’s no front or back. Instead, it’s a spatial gesture that invites proximity, connection, and eye contact. Its non-linear, circular design redefines public seating as social infrastructure.
The form disrupts passive urban furniture typologies and introduces an organic, responsive element to public space.
MATERIALS & PRODUCTION
Built to Belong
The construction uses sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood – either Danish oak or larch – paired with a galvanized steel frame. It’s built locally, minimizing transport emissions and anchoring the project in a regional economy of craftsmanship and circularity. The Hem Bench is a key example of sustainable public design, with local materials and long-term durability.
Maintenance was a design driver. As public furniture must endure both weather and use, the Hem Bench was tested for resilience, but designed for human-scale interaction.
IMPACT & IDENTITY
A Place to Rest – and Reflect
More than just a product, the HEM Bench is a reflection of local values: care, connection, and sustainability. It acts as a soft landmark and social anchor across Hem’s new urban zones – from the school and community hall to the nature trail and green spaces.
Each bench supports the larger ambition of turning Hem into a walkable, welcoming village where design meets everyday life.
“It’s not just a bench – it’s a statement about how we want to live together,” said one Hem resident.
Design Media
Toolbox.
Similar Case Studies Wrap Up
The Hem Bench is one expression of how I design for places – with people in mind. Whether it’s urban furniture, exhibitions, or brand experiences, my work is always rooted in context, community and craft.
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