anjabache  GLAZED CONCRETE 

MULTIFUNCTIONAL URBAN LIGHT FURNITURE IN NEW CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY 2006-2007

DESIGNING SAFER OUTDOOR SPACES 

 

With a shared vision of creating safe and inviting outdoor environments, furniture designer Claus Hviid Knudsen and I initiated a development project. We successfully secured funding, BoligFonden KUBEN, and a residency at Statens Værksteder to test our ideas, leveraging cutting-edge concrete technology. My exposure to this advanced material stemmed from my Ph.D. and postdoctoral research at the Aarhus School of Architecture and previous project work at Aalborg Portland Cement and its concrete laboratory.

Our goal was to explore the potential of designing multifunctional furniture using Compact Reinforced Composite (CRC) and Densit—both developed by senior researcher and materials expert Hans Henrik Bache at Aalborg Portland. We sought to push the boundaries of these materials in furniture design, integrating durability and versatility.

 

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 4

A rendering presenting my prototype – design in urban context. rendering Anja.

 

GLAZED CONCRETE FOR REFLECTIVE AND WEATHER RESISTANT SURFACES

Another ambition of mine was to investigate the integration of ceramic-glazed concrete—a concept I had begun exploring during my Ph.D. research at the Aarhus School of Architecture. This innovative surface treatment was envisioned to enhance light reflection while maintaining resilience against harsh weather conditions, including frost and heavy rainfall.

Through our collaboration, Claus Hviid Knudsen and I developed various prototypes, demonstrating the feasibility of our ideas. The results of our research were documented in two articles published in the architectural magazine Arkitekten.

DESIGN OF COMPONENTS BEGINS WITH DESIGN OF MATERIALS

Guided by the principle that material innovation is the foundation of design, our project focused on transforming industrial material technologies for urban applications. We adapted Compact Reinforced Composite (CRC) and Densit from their primary use in thin balconies and staircases to create outdoor multifunctional lighting furniture.

This project, enriched by collaboration with Dalton Betonelementer, highlights the potential of cross-industry partnerships. However, such collaborations remain rare, and our prototypes primarily serve as indicators of future possibilities rather than fully integrated products with embedded new technologies.

NEW CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY – NEW FORMS

The use of Compact Reinforced Composite (CRC) and Densit in this project underscores their versatility in design applications beyond their traditional industrial uses. The incorporation of glazed concrete aimed to introduce light-reflective surfaces into the furniture, enhancing both aesthetic and functional qualities.

In collaboration with furniture designer and carpenter Claus Hviid Knudsen, this project has opened new possibilities for integrating advanced material technologies into urban design. Our work was made possible through dedicated research, innovation, and funding support.

PEDESTRAIN PAVING INTEGRATED

A pedestrian paving tile is integrated into the furniture, ensuring seamless incorporation into the pavement. This tile can be designed to match different types of pavement. In the following, I present Prototype 1, which I designed out of the four we developed. The project was carried out in collaboration with Dalton Betonelementer, where we cast two of the four prototypes.

 

FUNDED BY: Bolig Fonden Kuben-
IN COLLABORATION WITH: Designer Claus Hviid Knudsen
INDUSTRI COLLABORATION: Dalton Betonelementer
WORKING AT: The Danish Art Worksshops –
PICTURES: Torben Åhndal

DOWNLOAD ARTICLE HERE: Urban Light Furniture – Arkitekten 2008
DOWNLOAD ARTICLE HERE: Urban Light – Arkitekten 2006

 

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 1

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 3

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 10

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 11

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 12

Prototype of multifunctional urban light furniture, crafted with CRC concrete and glazed surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the pavement. 14

Prototypes 1:1 scale model in CRC made at Daltons Betonelementer – With Light integrated as well the pedestrian paving tile Integrated. Photos Torben Åhndal.