Kassel is getting creative: students are designing new cultural benches for public spaces

Kassel is getting creative: students are designing new cultural benches for public spaces

The “Culture Benches – Seating for Public Spaces in Kassel” competition on July 31, 2025 demonstrated the creative potential of students at the Kassel University of Art. As part of this project, which took place under the leadership of Prof. Oliver Vogt and Dean Weigand, innovative designs were developed in the summer semester of 2025. These were awarded during the “tour” at the art college and reflect the cultural history of Kassel.

The initiative of the cultural department of the city of Kassel aims to enrich public areas with works of art that refer to themes from Kassel's cultural history. Famous names such as Arnold Bode, Christine Brückner and the band Milky Chance are reflected in the designs. The upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Kassel Art University in 2027 will also be reflected in the students' work.

Prize winners and jury

On July 27th, three of the ten submitted designs were awarded by a jury, with prizes of 750 euros, 500 euros and 250 euros for the best entries. The jury consisted of Dr. Sven Schoeller, Prof. Dr. Martin Schmidl, Prof. Cecilia Vallejos, Helga Engelke and Gerd Saalfeld, who praised the creative connection of ideas to cultural topics.

The award winners are:

• 1. Preis: Eleonora Dietrichs und Oliver Scharf für „Milky Clouds“ – eine Sitzwolke aus recycelbaren Materialien.
• 2. Preis: Jonas Hohmann für „BHB“ – eine Sitztreppe mit integriertem Hügel und Baum.
• 3. Preis: Kuzey Şahin für „Orchestra“ – ein übergroßes Musikinstrument.

The critical criteria for selection were artistic design, practicality, materiality and robustness. The students' further considerations also included aspects such as quality of stay and feasibility of the projects. The final decision on the implementation and possible locations of the designs rests with the responsible city committees. The financing of the project could be secured through sponsorship money, which is made visible through plaques on the seating areas.

Public art in Kassel

The “Culture Benches” project is part of a broader trend whereby art is becoming increasingly important in public spaces. In many cities, including Kassel, public art not only serves to beautify squares, but also to promote cultural identity and social cohesion. How on die-lernende-stadt.de outlined, creative urban design helps transform neglected areas into vibrant centers of activity.

Interactive installations, sculptures and murals implemented in Kassel not only reflect the city's history, but also encourage active participation from citizens. The challenge in implementing such projects often lies in securing financing and overcoming regulatory hurdles.

The student works are part of the tradition of Kassel art and culture, which is influenced by international events such as documenta is enriched. In particular, the new exhibition hall, which was built on the edge of the baroque Karlsaue, offers future artists added value with its flexible use as an “exhibition laboratory” for large-format works, equipped with innovative lighting technology.

The identity of urban spaces is therefore largely determined by public art pieces and creative design. It remains to be seen how the future implementation of the “culture benches” in Kassel will contribute to sustainably strengthening the cityscape and the citizen community.