Looped In, located in University City, Philadelphia, is a unique urban seating project designed to foster social interaction and community engagement. Conceptualized by Brian Phillips of Interface Studio Architects and executed by EnMotion, this innovative initiative transforms public spaces into inviting areas for relaxation and conversation.
EnMotion
EnMotion is a dynamic architectural and design firm dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions. EnMotion specializes in a wide spectrum of projects across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Interface Studio Architects
Brian Phillips is a prominent architect and founding partner of Interface Studio Architects (ISA), a highly regarded architectural firm. Specializing in innovative and sustainable design solutions.
Project Details
Products Used: Site Furnishing
Press and Additional Resources
Looped In, located in University City, Philadelphia, is an urban seating project that demonstrates how design can influence the way people interact with their surroundings and with each other. Completed in 2013, the project was conceptualized by Brian Phillips of Interface Studio Architects and executed by EnMotion. Rather than offering standard street furniture, Looped In reimagines seating as both a sculptural and social tool. The installation transforms a section of public space into a welcoming environment where students, residents, and visitors can relax, talk, and feel part of the community. The installation uses flowing, continuous forms that curve and loop into themselves, creating seating that feels dynamic and engaging. Unlike conventional benches that are often rigid and isolating, these shapes invite people to gather, face one another, and use the space in different ways. Whether individuals want to sit alone quietly, lean back to read a book, or come together in groups for a conversation, the arrangement provides flexibility. The seating design emphasizes inclusivity, making the public space not only functional but also playful, interactive, and memorable. The heart of Looped In lies in its materials. Every wooden bench is made from Black Locust Lumber, a choice rooted in both durability and sustainability. Black locust is one of the hardest woods native to North America and is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. This makes it an ideal material for outdoor site furnishings, as it can withstand heavy use and the changing weather of Philadelphia without the need for chemical treatments or preservatives. In this way, the project avoids the environmental costs associated with less durable woods or imported tropical hardwoods, while also reducing maintenance needs over time. The use of black locust in the wooden benches provides more than just functional advantages. Aesthetically, the lumber’s natural grain and rich, warm tones offer a contrast to the surrounding hardscapes of concrete and steel that define much of University City. The visual warmth softens the atmosphere of the plaza, drawing people in and creating a space that feels more human in scale and texture. By using natural wood, the installation also maintains a timeless quality, ensuring that the benches remain relevant and beautiful even as the surrounding neighborhood continues to evolve. The wooden benches do more than provide a place to sit; they act as sculptural elements that shape how people experience the environment. Their looping forms create smaller pockets of space within the larger open area, subtly encouraging groups to gather or individuals to engage with strangers in conversation. This quality reflects the project’s guiding vision: the belief that public furniture should foster connections rather than merely provide utility. The flowing curves make the benches appear alive, as though the material itself is responding to the energy of the people who use it. The success of Looped In lies in the way it bridges design, community, and sustainability. By choosing black locust, the project team highlighted the importance of using local and renewable resources. By shaping those materials into looping wooden benches, they created a design that is both practical and imaginative. And by situating the installation in a dense, culturally rich neighborhood, they ensured that the project would have a daily impact on people’s lives. Looped In is not just a collection of benches—it is a living example of how thoughtful design, material choice, and a focus on community can reshape urban spaces for the better.
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