Day Tripper Bench by Jurgen Bey

​Jurgen Bey

Day Tripper Bench, 2003 | as part of the Streetscape furniture for Mori Building Company, Tokyo

In 2003, Mori Building Co., Ltd. unveiled Roppongi Hills, a landmark urban development in Tokyo designed to blend culture, nature, and design. As part of the Roppongi Hills Public Art & Design Project, Mori Building commissioned over twenty world-class artists and designers to create public art and street furniture throughout the site, aiming to make Roppongi the cultural heart of Tokyo.​

Among these contributions, Dutch designer Jurgen Bey, in collaboration with design collective Droog, created the “Day Tripper” bench. This 7-meter-long installation was inspired by the various postures people assume in public spaces. Bey photographed individuals in different resting positions, then used computer morphing to transition between these silhouettes, forming a continuous bench shape. He further incorporated elements of traditional furniture into the design. The bench is constructed from polyurethane foam covered with glass-reinforced polyester, featuring a silk-screened flower pattern.​

This project exemplifies Mori Building’s commitment to integrating art and design into urban environments, enhancing the cultural and aesthetic experience of city dwellers.