Belgian design firm Studio Part has developed a demountable metal mould that encourages young willow trees to grow into a self-supporting bench.
Tenir, which means to hold or hold on to in French, was designed to guide the willow branches so they become intertwined and follow a curving form that will eventually provide a comfortable seat.
Studio Part has designed formwork that shapes willow trees into a bench
Initially, a metal cover is added on top of the formwork to create a functional bench from day one, while also protecting the willows during their early growing phase and stunting unwanted side branches.
But after three to four years, the branches should have become fully intertwined and strong enough to form a self-supporting seat.
Planted willows are woven through holes in the curved frame Once the willow has transformed into a sturdy bench-shaped tree, the mould and the screw foundations can be removed, leaving the roots unharmed and no trace of the man-made structure.
Tenir was a response to the annual BKRK competition organised by the Bokrijk Open-air Museum near Genk, which for its 2023 edition invited proposals around the theme of weaving.
For their entry, Studio Part founders Julie Van Mulders and Lennart Van Uffelen focused on the craft of live willow weaving, which is typically used to create outdoor structures such as domes, tunnels or arbours.
The reusable mould is made from stainless steel with protective rubber inlays
The duo was drawn to this traditiona...