ARKO Benches and chairs and FLO Litter Bins from the Benito Design+ collection improve the durability, image and comfort of public space in a demanding marine environment.
Coastal environments are among the most demanding for Street Furniture . Constant exposure to salinity, humidity, wind, and Solar radiation accelerates the wear and tear of materials, making durability and maintenance critical factors for municipal management.
In this context, the renovation of street furniture is not just an aesthetic issue, but a strategic decision that directly impacts the quality of public space and the user experience of citizens.
The challenge and the solution
The Passeig del Mar in Palamós is one of the town's main thoroughfares, with high foot traffic throughout the year and peak usage during the tourist season. This high volume, combined with the coastal conditions, made an update of the existing street furniture necessary.
The goal was not only to renovate, but to improve the functionality, resistance and capacity of the space to accommodate different uses: walking, resting, meeting and playing.
The project incorporated ARKO Benches and chairs, and FLO Litter Bins from the Benito Design+ collection, a range designed to meet the demands of challenging environments without compromising on contemporary aesthetics. Manufactured with durable materials and finishes suitable for marine environments, these pieces ensure greater resistance to corrosion and reduce maintenance requirements.
In addition, the project has been completed with the renovation of the children's playground on the promenade, incorporating a new play area made of robinia wood, a material especially suitable for outdoor environments due to its strength and durability.
The play area comprises three main elements: a Swing with a cradle-style seat, a Spring swing , and a pirate ship-shaped structure that incorporates balance elements, Slides , and a climbing net. Designed for children up to 6 years old, the play area blends seamlessly into the seafront setting, reinforcing its family-friendly character and providing a playful theme consistent with the surroundings.
The overall intervention combines structural robustness with a light and coherent image, allowing its integration into the seascape.
A space that enhances the daily experience.span>
The new street furniture has transformed the perception of the promenade among residents and visitors. “ Now it’s a pleasure to walk around; before it wasn’t, now it’s a quality walk ,” says a resident of Palamós.
Furthermore, the incorporation of Litter Bins with anti-seagull systems has solved one of the common problems in coastal environments: “ The Litter Bins that have been installed now have lids and are seagull-proof. Before, the animals would knock the trash out and the promenade would get quite dirty; now it’s cleaner and tidier ,” explains another resident.
Design has also played a key role in the assessment of the space: “ I think the Benches are stylish, very beautiful. It’s not the kind of furniture you find on every promenade ,” a local resident points out.
Continuity and identity of space
The intervention not only improves functional aspects, but also maintains the essence of the promenade, reinforcing its identity as a central space of urban life.
“ It is a renovation that maintains the essence of the traditional Palamós promenade, but improves all the elements that make it up ,” says the Councilor for Economic Promotion.
Beyond the furniture: an investment in the city
The renovation of the furniture in Palamós reflects a trend that is increasingly present in coastal municipalities: opting for durable, functional solutions adapted to the environment.
Investing in these types of actions not only improves the space in the short term, but also reduces maintenance costs, extends the lifespan of the furniture, and guarantees a better experience for residents and visitors.
Ultimately, it's about designing public spaces that work today, but also in a few years' time.