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Robson Street Sculpture Benches Win Summer Contest

Coming To Vancouver's Robson Street

A winding sculpture that allows people to eat, sit, and lounge will be installed on Vancouver's Robson Street as the winner of a design competition that attracted entries from around the world.

The sweet design by a Vancouver team of architects, designers and carpenters (Kaz Bemner, Jeremiah Deutscher, Michael Siy and Kenneth Navarra) includes ledges where you can enjoy street food, south-facing lounge areas to catch the sun, and sections to watch street performances.

Called "Urban Reef," the snake-like bench sections that morph into one another create a "dynamic form that sparks curiosity and invites exploration," explained a news release from the City of Vancouver.

For the past three summers, the 800-block of Robson has been closed to traffic and transformed with public installations to encourage people to slow down and connect with each other.

Past projects included landscaped picnic areas, and giant bean bag chairs.

This year's Robson Redux competition, as part of the city's VIVA Vancouver program, required designs to feature the theme of "connection." Submissions included an oversized hopscotch game and a giant swing set.

"Urban Reef" designers receive an honorarium and up to $40,000 for costs and materials. You can check it out starting from Canada Day until the Labour Day long weekend.

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Pedestrian-Friendly Robson Street, Vancouver

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