# Stratum Parametric Bench Combines Computational Design and Plywood Craftsmanship Zorka Furniture installs a 29-foot sculptural seating landmark at Haywood Mall using CNC-cut components. - **Source:** [design archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/11868f8d-1e20-41ac-bc2d-8c5af32d721b) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/35535288-495f-46df-b210-6bc41325f96d ## Parametric Design in Retail Zorka Furniture has installed Stratum, a monumental parametric bench, within the central concourse of Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina. This sculptural installation shifts the perception of traditional public seating by merging architectural geometry with functional utility. It serves as an interactive landmark designed to transform ordinary mall spaces into destinations. ## Complex Component Fabrication The structure is composed of over 600 individually CNC-cut wooden components, milled from approximately 100 sheets of plywood. Digital design software was utilized to calculate the unique geometry of every single layer, ensuring the final assembly achieves a precise, fluid, and undulating silhouette that mimics natural rock formations found in Utah. ## Scale and Structural Mass Spanning nearly 29 feet in length, the bench weighs over 5,500 pounds, or 2,500 kilograms. The massive scale required a modular fabrication approach to ensure feasibility. By breaking the design into smaller, manageable sections, the team successfully managed the physical weight and complexity of the installation process for the mall environment. ## Logistics and Rapid Assembly To minimize disruption to mall operations, the modular sections were transported on five pallets and assembled overnight. This logistical strategy allowed the installation to be completed without interfering with standard business hours. The precision of the CNC-cut components ensured that the assembly process remained efficient despite the project's significant physical scale. ## Interactive Architectural Features The bench design incorporates rhythmic curves, integrated seating niches, and arched pass-throughs. These features are specifically engineered to invite physical interaction from visitors, encouraging them to sit, explore, and engage with the sculpture. The varying timber contours provide both aesthetic appeal and ergonomic support for users navigating the busy concourse area. ## Nature-Inspired Geometric Form The design team drew inspiration from Utah’s iconic arches and dramatic landscapes to inform the bench's flowing form. By translating these natural, rugged profiles into a functional wooden structure, Zorka Furniture created a bridge between organic inspiration and contemporary computational design. The result is a rhythmic sequence of layered plywood profiles. ## Craftsmanship Meets Digital Precision The project highlights the intersection of traditional woodworking and modern digital fabrication techniques. By utilizing CNC technology, the studio achieved a level of geometric complexity that would be difficult to replicate through manual methods alone. Each layer contributes to the overall structural integrity while maintaining the intended artistic vision of the designers. ## Impact on Public Spaces Stratum demonstrates how parametric art can redefine public furniture in high-traffic commercial environments. By prioritizing both form and function, the installation creates a memorable experience for mall visitors. This project underscores the growing trend of integrating large-scale, custom-designed sculptural elements into retail architecture to enhance the overall visitor experience. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/design/undulating-plywood-layers-stratum-parametric-public-seating-sculpture-zorka-furniture/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._