As part of the ROBOstudio 2025/2026 edition, supported by the ROBOTICS course, ASK students developed a conceptual design for a system of modular, multifunctional urban benches dedicated to the WUT Main Campus.
The project explored how everyday elements of urban furniture can actively influence the use of academic space. The proposed system enables users to rearrange and adapt the benches to support different scenarios – from meetings and collaborative work to individual relaxation – depending on context, time of day, and current needs.
Flexibility lies at the core of the design. The benches can be configured into multiple spatial layouts, while their functional cores allow the basic seating function to be extended with additional modules, such as mobile device charging, an information screen module, shading elements, shelves for book or board game exchange, or drinking water dispensers. This approach makes it possible to tailor each configuration to the specific character and requirements of a given campus location.
The design process was accompanied by hands-on prototyping workshops, including work with Arduino, physical models, and kinetic testing. These activities enabled students to translate conceptual ideas into tangible solutions and to explore the intersection of architecture, design, and technology through experimentation.
The project represents a vision of urban furniture that strengthens campus identity while encouraging active, conscious, and user-driven use of academic space.
Youtube video of the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPf-HBALqXM&list=PLmc9c9xsm-zGEbMsukaJKLXJ-UuKavCak&index=7
Courses: ROBOstudio & Robotics led by Dr. Karolina Dąbrowska-Żółtak.
Design team: Omotara Adebayo, Parisa Ebrahimi, Somia Hassan, Liudmila Rudz, Ewa Sokołowska, Philip Sule.
In addition to the lead instructor’s classes, the project was supported by guest lectures delivered by Prof. Krzysztof Koszewski (Warsaw University of Technology), Dr. Piotr Pałka (Warsaw University of Technology), Dr. Jan Petrš (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), and M.Sc. Piotr Baszyński (University of Stuttgart).
