motion and sound enliven the ball bearing bench

 

A playful exploration of motion and sound, the Ball Bearing Bench by Canalside Studio draws inspiration from traditional ball bearings, but with a unique twist. Instead of facilitating axial movement through metal or ceramic balls, the design features solid pine spheres nestled between two donut-shaped pieces made of MDF. The lower element remains stationary while the top one moves in response to the users seated atop it.

 

Ideally, two users should sit at opposite ends of the bench — either facing the inside or outwards — to balance their weight, enhancing the interactive experience. Initially, it may require some effort to push, but as the balls gain momentum, movement becomes smoother. This playful mechanism produces a captivating sound as the balls gently collide and roll against one another.

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
all images courtesy of Canalside Studio

 

 

canalside studio bridges functionality and whimsy

 

Occasionally, the Ball Bearing Bench may come to a halt due to slight misalignments caused by these collisions. However, a gentle push in the opposite direction typically resolves this issue, allowing it to regain its fluid motion. Embodied in the work is Canalside Studio’s ethos of warmth and curiosity. The design exudes a playful and cheerful vibe, inviting users to engage in an experience that balances functionality with whimsy, all while maintaining a subtle elegance. The bench prototype is being made in China, featuring solid pine wood balls and CNC-shaped stacked MDF donut-shaped pieces. Currently a work in progress, lighter materials are under consideration, and the donut profile needs improvement to prevent pinched fingers.

 

The work is part of a broader collection of self-initiated furniture and products created by Canalside Studio, founded in 2022 by Etain Ho and Francis Lam. The duo met during their architecture studies at the University of Hong Kong and established their studio in the city after working at Heatherwick Studio in London.

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
the Ball Bearing Bench by Canalside Studio draws inspiration from traditional ball bearings, but with a unique twist

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
users can sit facing outward or inside the bench

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
made of solid pine balls sandwiched between two donut-shaped pieces made of MDF

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
the lower element remains stationary while the top one moves in response to the users seated atop it

 

 

wooden balls set canalside studio's donut-shaped bench into motion
as the balls gain momentum, movement becomes smoother

the ball bearing bench
embodied in the work is Canalside Studio’s ethos of warmth and curiosity

the ball bearing bench
designed by Etain Ho and Francis Lam

the ball bearing bench
wooden grains are embraced

 

 

project info:

 

name: Ball Bearing Bench
designer: Canalside Studio | @canalside.studio

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom