LONDON.- A new concept in public seating, both sculptural and interactive, will be placed on London’s Southbank this Summer, enabling the public to gaze up at the sky and gain a different perspective of the city.

Cultural agency Futurecity is launching this new sculptural seat by artist Peter Newman as part of an exhibition of the artist’s works at The Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, London.

The circular sculpture, inspired by the form of Le Corbusier’s iconic LC4 chaise longue, is designed to be sited outdoors. Its contours are intended to fit the reclining human figure, to encourage the user to lie down and contemplate the vast expanse of space above and beyond.

Skystation is part of a larger public seating project initiated and curated by Futurecity. The aim is to develop a ‘constellation’ of Skystations in 100 locations, across the UK and internationally, called the 100 Places Project. This will become a shared public art experience across the whole network. Users will be encouraged to take photographs of the sky above and the project will be linked by a collaborative website where these photographs can be posted. The City of Cambridge has already placed an order.

Mark Davy, director, Futurecity commented: “Skystation is much more than a public seat but a beautiful object that can be both observed and used.”

Artist Peter Newman commented: “Skystation is designed to offer a rare opportunity in a city, to stop for a minute, lie back and enjoy the sense of space above. In the best tradition of British street furniture, it is inscribed with a dedication “In Loving Memory Of Those Yet To Be Born’, as it proposes the act of looking up and thinking about the future. It’s circular form makes conversation between strangers almost inevitable.”

A prototype of the Skystation will go on show outside The Hayward Gallery, on London’s South Bank, from 8 July until 14 September. It will then move to 100% Design, Earls Court (18 – 21 September).