Sean Yan
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southampton bench December 2025
Measurements: 76” L x 18” H  x 18” W 
Materials:  Cherry, Leather Upholstery, Oil & Wax Finish
Softwares:           




The Southampton Bench was designed to create small moments of togetherness within everyday routines. As shared living often moves at different rhythms, the piece encourages proximity without demanding attention. Its soft form and warm cherry wood foster comfort and emotional ease, supporting brief but meaningful encounters. The integrated surface further ties the object to daily rituals.











concept development

After moving into my first apartment, Southampton, I became increasingly aware of how rarely me and my roomates actually spend time together at home. Most interactions happen in passing — putting on shoes, making coffee, grabbing a bag before leaving.

Inspired by arch bridges, where movement happens below while people above remain momentarily still, I wanted to design a threshold object: something that lives within transition spaces and gently gathers people without demanding attention.  Our lives are constantly in motion, but the bench creates a pause — a place where presence can briefly override routine.








Design Opportunity

The overall curvature of the bench subtly angles users toward one another, allowing conversation without fully turning the head or torso. Compared to a straight bench, this reduces neck strain and supports more natural side-by-side interaction. 

In addition, the design integrates a small platform that functions as a surface for everyday items, accommodating light storage and reinforcing the bench’s role within daily routines. 





ideation sketches


Throughout the sketching process, a lot of emphasis was placed on the overall form of the bench and how it could be more fluid. Functionality was also a big key as the bench not only needed to be curved but have good strucutral integrity and provide storage.





3d iterations


The three-dimensional/CAD process was extremely crucial for this project as it determined the entire construction process of this project. Due to the countless number of different parts, every dimension had to be perfect. The technical drawing on the right was the map for the physical/making process of the final piece.





fabrication









final product