In response to a need for usable outdoor space, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hinge Collective collaborated with the Enterprise Center, Blackwell Library staff, community members, and students from the Workshop School to create deployable book cases / benches to expand services to the street. Library friends and staff determined movable components were necessary to provide flexibility and meet the various needs of the Library. The Book Benches and accompanying planters have internal casters so library staff can reconfigure them to accommodate events or casual gatherings. The shelves can hold more than just books; the library has been using them to provide pantry items, menstrual supplies, and other resources. Movable cubes expand seating options and can be secured inside the benches when they are not in use.

Students from The Workshop School participated in design development and fabricated the book benches in the school wood shop with instructor Jarod Lauderbach. Artist Iye Yin Dae created artwork highlighting prominent Black figures from Philadelphia that the Workshop School students identified. The Enterprise Center facilitated this project with funding from Feet First Philly. 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Client: The Enterprise Center, Feet First Philly/Clean Air Council

Timeframe: 2021/2022 academic year

Project Team: The Workshop School, Yin Dae of Artlifestyle

Outcomes:

• Youth design and fabrication skill development

• Increased outdoor opportunities for the library to provide services to the community

• Seating opportunities along the 52nd Street commercial corridor

• Proof of concept for future sidewalk improvements