Heer Breastfeeding Bench

Heer Breastfeeding Bench

Heer Breastfeeding Bench is an innovative piece of urban furniture specifically designed to provide a comfortable and dignified space for mothers to breastfeed in public areas. This pioneering design, which earned the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in Street Furniture Design category, represents a significant advancement in inclusive urban design by addressing the often-overlooked needs of nursing mothers in public spaces. The bench features a sophisticated rotating mechanism that allows mothers to adjust their position for optimal comfort, complemented by an integrated gentle rocking motion that helps soothe both mother and infant during nursing sessions. Its thoughtful design incorporates protective shields that offer optional privacy without promoting isolation, striking a delicate balance between comfort and social inclusion. The ergonomically designed seating system includes an adjacent bench for companions or passersby, promoting social integration while maintaining the primary function of breastfeeding support. Constructed using sustainable and recyclable materials, with the prototype utilizing polyester resin and glass composites, the bench measures 4095 cm in length, 577 cm in depth, and 1135 cm in height. The design emerged from extensive qualitative research involving twenty mothers and underwent multiple iterations over four years of development, resulting in a solution that effectively addresses the challenges of public breastfeeding while contributing to more inclusive and mother-friendly urban environments. Particularly suited for high-traffic areas such as airports, shopping centers, parks, and public institutions, this design represents a significant step forward in making public spaces more accessible and comfortable for nursing mothers.

breastfeeding furniture, inclusive design, urban architecture, public space amenities, maternal comfort, sustainable street furniture

— Adam Dawson