01/10/2026
A mature tree does not have to be removed simply because a public space needs more seating. In the Netherlands, circular and curved bench designs can be arranged around existing trees, turning the shade beneath their branches into a comfortable place to sit while keeping the furniture physically separated from the trunk.
The seating structure stands independently around the tree rather than being attached to it. Wooden planks form a broad circular or gently curved seat, while supports underneath carry the weight without using the trunk for stability. A clear opening is left around the tree itself, giving the bark and base room to remain untouched. That gap is especially important because trunks expand as trees mature. The central area can remain open soil or another permeable surface so rainwater can continue reaching the roots. When properly designed, the bench also avoids placing heavy foundations where they could unnecessarily interfere with the root zone.
The arrangement makes clever use of space that people naturally enjoy anyway. On warm days, the tree provides shade while the bench provides seating, and people can face outward toward the park, plaza, or surrounding street. There is no need to build a separate shade structure or squeeze another bench somewhere nearby. The tree remains the centerpiece rather than becoming part of the furniture itself. It is a simple relationship: architecture surrounds nature, benefits from it, and leaves enough space for the living part to keep growing.
