M-E-P-P-E-L

In the redevelopment, the Groenmarkt will be made car-free. A consequence of this is the disappearance of the parking. This parking lot makes way for a lively square with space for terraces and events. The new square will have new trees and enough seating. Meppel does this partly by placing six benches in the shape of a letter. These benches have been given the letters MEPPEL.

Playing with letters

The letter banks are placed loose at ground level and can easily be moved. The letter benches are provided with spoon holes. This makes it possible to move the benches with, for example, a pump truck or forklift. In this way, temporary space can be created for events or markets. This possibility gives Meppel local council more flexibility in the public space. After the event, the benches can easily be placed back on the location. The benches are designed in cooperation with Buro Ma.an. The design was translated by Grijsen into a production drawing. Finally, Grijsen developed the bench to the final result.

Letter banks of high-quality materials

The six-letter banks are made of steel and wood. The base is made of corten steel. The Corten steel is protected naturally by the creation of an oxide skin. This oxide skin protects the deeper-lying material from oxygen so that oxidation is strongly delayed. This way the steel stays good for a long time. We use untreated hardwood for the seats. The wood does not need to be treated due to its characteristics. The untreated wood already belongs to the highest durability class. This means that the heartwood is theoretically still good after 25 years.

Custom made

This project in Meppel is a good example of the flexibility and possibilities with Grijsen. Are you curious how we approach such a customized project? Read our six-step plan here. Would you rather be inspired? Then take a look at our other projects.