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BFA Design

Siri Bergholtz

Närvaron- Tott

Närvaron (Presence) is a design project that explores how public furniture can promote children’s space in the urban environment and foster intergenerational play. Through the creation of Tott,  tactile, modular seating furniture, the project investigates how playful interaction can be supported in everyday settings, especially for children with motor restlessness or high sensory input.

The Tott modules are crafted in solid birch and treated with linseed oil, emphasizing care, sustainability, and artisanal quality. This stands in contrast to the standard plastic and metal furniture typically used in public spaces for children.

The project also aims to encourage intergenerational encounters. By designing furniture that can be enjoyed by children, parents, and grandparents alike, Närvaron creates space for connection, empathy, and shared experience across generations.

Ultimately,  Närvaron challenges conventional procurement practices that prioritize cost, efficiency over quality. It proposes a hybrid model where public furniture serves not only a functional purpose but also carries artistic value, offering a space for presence, tactile exploration, and inclusive play.