STUDIOS' Sculptural Benches at Leach Botanical Garden
DATEMay 24, 2021
STUDIOS designers Dana Hans and Ben Kracke have created a series of sculptural benches for Leach Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon. Visitors encounter these functional art pieces as they move through the site. Inspired by the garden’s defining characteristics of water, forest, topography, and geology, the benches blend seamlessly with the environment and complement the movement of the landscape. These one-of-a-kind designs enhance the immersive experience—inviting visitors to pause, connect, and gather inspiration.
This pro-bono project will help raise funds for the public garden’s future expansion. Learn more about the Sculptured Seating Program and consider sponsoring a bench here.
Bench fabrication by: Splinter & Slag.






Awards
- ULI Washington Awards for Excellence, Finalist | MLK Gateway II
- Future of Work Awards, Jury’s Special Prize | Ledger HQ
- BIM d’Or, Tech Show Awards | Google AI Hub
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Office Renovation, Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Medium Tech Office: Finalists | WHOOP Headquarters
- ULI Europe Awards for Excellence : Winner | L’Atelier Covivio
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Finalist: Large Early Education | Raymond Elementary School
- AIA DC, Awards of Excellence in Architecture, Chapter Design Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence, Excellence in Institutional Development: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence: Finalists | Raymond Elementary School
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Swards DC, MD, VA, Decarbonization Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- Fast Company, Innovation by Design Awards, Best Workplace Design: Honorable Mention | WHOOP Headquarters
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Display Installations: Winner | Welcome Galleries at the National Building Museum
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Best in office Buildings: Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, NYCxDesign Awards: Finalist | 825 Third Avenue
- CoreNet NYC Design Excellence Awards, Project of the Year Under 25K sq ft: Winner | 825 Third Avenue
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Awards DC, MD, VA, Judge’s Choice Award: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- NAIOP DC MD Awards of Excellence, Best Washington DC Urban Office: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- CoreNet New England Awards of Excellence, Large Workplace: Winner | WHOOP Headquarters