b3nch from the collection of Public Art Omaha

b3nch

powder-coated steel

87 x 54 in

Location: Northwest Omaha (Google map)

The intent was to design a bench that would reflect the energy and dynamics of Downtown Omaha and the Gene Leahy Mall. The operations of folding and cutting plate steel turned into a series of localized contextual responses. The base of the bench is poised as if ready to jump, gesturing toward a machine aesthetic. The seat itself, fabricated from one sheet of plate steel, is cut and folded to create intimate places for conversation and interaction.

"B3nch" was sponsored by ATOMdesign, InfraStructure, KSI Construction, Bender Ornamental and Hunter Painting. It was one of thirteen sculptural benches installed in 2010 along the paths of the Gene Leahy Mall as part of the "Take a Seat" project. The bench was moved from that location when renovations to the mall began in 2019, and placed in its current location along Flanagan Lake Road at Flanagan Lake.