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Les Filets (The nets) of Esplanade Tranquille
By : Dikini + Alto Design
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Product : Grand Winner
Categories : Special Awards / Sustainable & Environmental Design : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Materials : Gold Certification
Categories : Industrial Design / Furniture - Urban & Street : Platinum Winner
Les Filets (The Nets) are a set of large urban lounge pieces designed for L’Esplanade Tranquille, a public square located in the heart of Montreal’s vibrant Quartier des Spectacles. Resulting of a furniture design competition organized by the city of Montreal, these seats create an oasis of relaxation, contemplation, and social interaction.
Slightly away from the bustling scene of the QDS, the Esplanade Tranquille is both a festive and a restful place, public and intimate, hosting festivals in the summer and becoming an ice rink in the winter. Through the seasons, it gives way to a diversity of temporary setups which follow one another.
In this constantly changing context, Les Filets takes up the challenge of flexibility. The free-standing modules allow fast and frequent movements and can be re-arranged individually or combined to form islands in the heart of the public square.
These circular spaces facilitate social interactions and create an enveloping atmosphere that invites relaxation and conversation. Large in scale, these architectural furniture pieces have a strong and striking visual signature that is consistent with the brand identity of the Quartier des Spectacles. The gigantism of the net seats creates a force of attraction, a curiosity for users to touch them, to sit on them, to lie down on them.
An unusual piece of furniture
This project adopts an unconventional approach, that of working with the notion of softness in public space. The use of a net materializes this intention, combining flexibility, robustness, and a distinctive visual character. The furniture can withstand heavy use while a comfortable and relaxed experience for those who nestle into it, and a playful experience for children who climb on it.
Technical Innovations
The nets are crafted from braided polyester rope on galvanized steel cable, chosen for its resilience, durability, and resistance to vandalism. While commonly found in children’s climbing play structures, its application in urban furniture is innovative. To meet the project’s unique demands, the rope was developed in collaboration with a specialized manufacturer.
The diamond-patterned weave of the rope conforms to the user’s body, with slightly denser support at the buttocks and gentle elongation as one ascends, allowing for natural body contouring and optimal comfort. Additionally, this design minimizes the transfer of motion between users.
To secure the weave and facilitate assembly onto the frame, the ropes are mechanically fastened using aluminum ferrules. These sleek yet sturdy components streamline assembly without compromising comfort.
Minimum material for maximum impact
This ropework also addresses environmental and resource-saving concerns. Visually and physically lightweight, the nets require little resources yet allowing for a significant impact, fitting seamlessly within the large scale of the public square.
Collaboration
