Soothing green oasis at health plaza

In shopping center Presikhaaf in Arnhem you can now go to the gym, dietician or beauty salon in addition to your daily shopping. Owner Wereldhave called in FURNS Street Furniture at an early stage to design this so-called health cluster as a relaxing green oasis, very different from the dynamics just down the road around the supermarkets and fresh food plaza.

In the center of the mall sits a large gym while the outdoor plaza is home to a brand new health cluster that includes a blood bank, physical therapist, dental office, a dietician and a laser clinic. Such clusters make visitors come to the renovated mall for reasons other than shopping alone. Architectural firm JPS Architects drew the design of the plan, FURNS Street Furniture designed, manufactured and assembled the aluminum seating elements and planters that have given the health plaza its soothing and green appearance since last December. And green contractor Dark Green placed the elements and arranged the planters in close collaboration with FURNS. 

The project involved the fabrication and installation of five aluminum seating elements and planters designed to add both aesthetic and functional value to the environment.

"We were involved in the design at an early stage by the mall owner," says Head of Sales Oscar Gathier of FURNS. "This is also how we prefer to work. Because then we can also think along well on the exact dimensions and sustainability aspects. The goal was to create a social place where people can sit and relax. We wanted to design elements that fit seamlessly into the existing environment of the health square."

The design of the seating elements and planters was carefully tailored to the specific needs and aesthetic requirements of the health plaza. "Aluminum elements were chosen because of their durability and light weight," Gathier explains. "In addition, we added wood accents to create a warm and inviting look."

An important aspect of the design was the lighting. "To enhance the social aspects, we integrated LED lighting into the base of the elements," says Gathier. "This not only provides a safe and accessible environment in the evening hours, but also adds to the aesthetics."

FURNS made five substantial elements for the ground level. The largest measures no less than 15 meters in length. Those elements were made in their own factory in Poland from aluminum and then powder coated yellow/gray (RAL 7034). Awood from Uden clad the elements with a hardwood species that matches the façade cladding of the shopping center. Around the sitting and standing elements, in which various types of greenery are planted, FURNS already provided space at the factory for cabling and transformers for LED lighting that was installed on site by an installer. Gathier: "As a result, the elements feature indirect light, making the health plaza a friendly, welcoming and accessible place even after darkness sets in."  

The combination of seating areas and green spaces provides a pleasant place for visitors to relax and gather for a while. "It's great to see how people are using and appreciating the new space," Gathier said. "This project shows how urban design contributes to the livability and attractiveness of public spaces."