The theme of this year’s event was “Future Village”, with a focus on a sustainable lifestyle and accommodation. “Let’s design the future together,” implored the judges of this prestigious award, and Czech street furniture company mmcité had a clear answer to the call: the eBlocq bench, which combines charging, storage and conventional seating.
Six lockable boxes are built into the bench, expanding the successful Blocq range. There is no ungainly cupboard – in its place is a multifunctional seat. eBlocq embodies the smart cities concept thanks to its sleek form and intelligent design. In the city this will come in particularly handy for anyone who comes by e-bike to sort something out at the office, while serving everyone else equally well as a unique bench where users can charge their smartphone or tablet. In schools, sports facilities and hotels, and in restaurants near cycleways too, eBlocq can become an integral part of local e-mobility infrastructure.
The need for free and fast movement around cities has led to the development of a network of cyclepaths, and, in turn, supplementary furniture. “Incorporating aesthetics, function and sustainability in a single product is second nature to us,” says designer David Karásek, who adds, “we value this environmental award really highly. It underlines to us that design and manufacturing must go hand in hand. We carefully select materials, approach design with love, and think of every last detail during the manufacturing process. Design that stands the test of time.”
