Villette is a singular modular bench design that stands out in its surroundings due to the light movement of its circular layout. The glass lenses embedded in the surface of the seat reflect the sunlight or light up at night. When optionally accompanied by light from the earth, giving it a buoyant effect, at night it is converted into a highly effective visual element that traces an arc of light suspended in space.
Villette was initially a furnishing used in a project by the Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, who won the Parque de la Villette competition held in1982 in the city of Paris.
Its “C”-shaped cross-section has a part which rests on the foundation slab embedded beneath the paving. It has cavities for housing the optional projectors (which are not provided) embedded in the paving. The Villette design has been included in the collection since 1982, with up to nine new layouts with different curve radii, and a straight model.
This backless bench is supplied in reinforced concrete, in the Escofet standard chart colour in polished and water-repellent finishes or etched and waterproofed, and with fused glass lenses embedded on the top surface of the seat. Optional inclusion of light projectors at the base which light up the bottom of the seat. Supplied as a self-standing backless bench that rests on a slab placed beneath the paving, at a certain level in keeping with the paving thickness.
Benches may be added to form wide arcs with a constant or variable radius, for adaptation to different urban situations.