Friendly barriers city bollards
Client: Perimeter Protection
Competition Winner
2021
Friendly barriers city bollards
Client: Perimeter Protection
Competition Winner
2021
This project was the winning proposal of the design competition Friendly Barriers, launched by Perimeter Protection, a company specialising in robust steel bollards. The concept transforms traditional safety bollards into sculptural urban planters, bringing more greenery into cities and benefiting both humans and the broader ecosystem. Inspired by the Nordic tradition of elevating flower pots on stands and pedestals, the tall pillar design softens the typically harsh appearance of bollards, offering a smooth, playful, and unexpectedly warm aesthetic.
Developed for the city of Stockholm, this project is currently under research and development for implementation by Stockholm Municipality and Perimeter Protection.
Current street bollard
These planters are designed as outer shells to cover the original steel bollard structure, with a suggested manufacturing process of mould-casting in terrazzo.
Terrazzo is a composite made from recycled industrial scraps, including chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, tiles, and other suitable materials, resulting in a variety of colours and patterns. My proposal includes a family of three sizes, each available in different colour stains, creating a multitude of combinations.
Recycled Plastic Alternative
Additionally, I envision the planters being cast in recycled plastic. The finish can be customised by adjusting the combination and proportion of different colour chips. This alternative is highly sustainable from both a production and material standpoint. Like terrazzo, recycled plastic is durable, requires low maintenance, and is well-suited for outdoor use.
Shells dimensions
Scaled models
