Urbcork – Urban furniture with application of high density cork

Abstract

Urbcork is an urban furniture line developed at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) for the collection produced by Leets Urban Design. It can be highlighted for its sustainable properties and inclusive design concerns.

Urban furniture is a product to be used by a large number of people in a public space. It has a high level of wear and ageing due to the intensive use, solar exposure and weather conditions.

During the project development there was a conceptual idea about using cork as the main material for the seat and the back. The opportunity of developing a prototype brought the question about how to keep cork properties after a long exposure on exterior.

The main line of investigation was about how to protect cork keeping its natural appearance and extending its properties and conservation over time. Laboratory tests held at CTCOR and FEUP were conducted in order to understand the behaviour of cork on extreme conditions. The results are not yet successful, but with more tests, the product can be well accepted in the international market.