Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

“So our intention with this collection is to play in both the vertical and horizontal spaces of urban environments, to draw the eyes up into the sky, and to join the two domains with signature design elements both in the air and on the ground,” states Tobias Adami, Creative Director at Designworks.

Led by Adami and Brian Revoir and Kirt Martin from Landscape Forms, Inc., the Typology Collection, composed of seating and lighting, features sculptural elements that play in both the vertical and horizontal planes, incorporating both light and shadow, to draw the eyes skyward then back to the earth with signature design features.

To create the Typology Collection, Landscape Forms partnered with Designworks, a BMW Group company, an international leader in product development and industrial design.

Drawing on insights from the future of urban landscapes, mobility demands of the new public space, and global workplace and transportation cultures, the collaboration leverages the award-winning teams’ complementary expertise in product innovation, artful design, and state-of-the-art manufacturing.

The Typology Collection is systemic and adaptable, living comfortably in both new and existing architectural environments to guide the movement of traffic and create unique, three-dimensional spaces that invite and connect, surprise and inspire.

The materials are elegant and refined, yet resilient and enduring—cast aluminum and concrete run as a common thread through the collection to create a unified visual and tactile experience.

Technological advances in manufacturing and lighting integration challenge preconceptions of form and space.

Complementary yet distinct elements bridge the realms of the sky and the ground to create a magnetic and immersive user experience.

Each piece has unique and memorable design features, but the overall sculptural quality and the artistic use of lighting within each component enable the collection to make a larger, unified statement.

Each component alone could be the centerpiece of a site, but when working in concert, the Typology Collection creates an extraordinary environment.

As the Typology Collection meanders through city spaces—symmetrically sinusoidal or organically serpentine in contrast to the urban array—it can suddenly transform into focal points of community interaction.

Concentric circular or arced configurations invite people to rest, repose and connect with others sharing the space, a counterpoint to the anonymity of a bustling urban environment.

It transcends the boundaries of two-dimensionality in its floor plan, creating new inviting and encompassing three-dimensional spaces within the larger context of its surroundings.

The Typology Collection presents illumination in a way that is uniquely artful and imaginative.

During the day, the striking form of the luminaires adds visual interest to the space, and at night, the way the light is cast is art in and of itself.

Seating elements with integral lighting seemingly float throughout the landscape, contrasting light from above and illuminating the ground below.

Innovative lighting solutions create installations that are chiefly functional yet also surprise, delight and enhance the landscape even when not in use.

The Typology Collection complements virtually any space in a meaningful, aesthetic and practical way.

Modular components respond to existing architecture and allow for reciprocity with complex streetscapes— guiding people through passing spaces and bridging interconnected hubs of activity.

The Typology Collection is expandable to support future changes and developments to the urban landscape.

“It’s always a joy to work with Designworks,” adds Kit Martin, Chief Creative Officer, Landscape Forms Inc.

“They have our utmost trust to execute consistently on such a high level for ambitious projects like this one.

But most importantly, Designworks is like family to us—we look forward to our weekly calls, excited to see what inspirations and spontaneous solutions will arise. I’m already eager to see where this partnership leads next.”

Project: The Typology Collection
Designers: Designworks, a BMW Group company and Landscape Forms Inc.
Manufacturer: Landscape Forms Inc.