The Antsy Bench

2025 || Final Master Project

Mentored by: Ms. Daisy Yoo

This project promotes inclusivity in public spaces by reimagining outdoor furniture design through a multispecies perspective. In collaboration with Utemaru, a nature-inclusive design organization, it integrates both ecological and business insights. Originating as a critique of biodiversity exclusion and human-centered hierarchies, the project evolves into a proposal for designing public spaces that consider both human and nonhuman needs. The thesis presents not only an alternative design approach but also a tangible step toward reframing how public life is materially shaped.

Challenges

Challenges were identified from three key perspectives — TU/e, the biodiverse green space, and Utemaru—which together helped frame the project.

Redefining human–nature relations

Confronting the oversight of biodiversity

Imbalance of agency between humans and nonhumans

This defined the project’s scope as expanding TU/e’s and Utemaru’s ecological approach to more explicitly address both human and nonhuman needs, while balancing business considerations with user requirements.

Scope

This defined the project’s scope as expanding TU/e’s and Utemaru’s ecological approach to more explicitly address both human and nonhuman needs, while balancing business considerations with user requirements.

Approach

Conducted observations to develop a closer relationship with black garden ants. Spoke to an expert, acquired scientific information.

Translated these findings into food-based material samples. Selected materials based on texture, smell and sight. Validated them through six user-tests

Strategic thinking invites consideration of the broader context to achieve desired outcomes. The AR experience effectively communicates making the experience tangible for any future developments

Designed a parametric bench based on insights from all stakeholders. The material was chosen based on student's opinion insinuating curiosity and invitation.

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Implementation

The project led to Antsy Bench, a modular, nature‑inclusive bench concept for TU/e’s green campus that brings human and nonhuman needs into one design. Inspired by black garden ants, the wooden structure uses movable modules and natural‑material armrests to support flexible seating, easier maintenance, and small habitats that invite users to notice and share space with other species. A complementary process framework for Utemaru translates these insights into practical guidelines for future public furniture that balances biodiversity, user experience, and operational constraints.