Submarine Cables by Studio Green

‘Submarine Cables’ is based on an historical analysis of Silvertown and the surrounding Royal Docks.

The area, originally named after the factories of a London Merchant from the late 1800s, was once known for the manufacture, laying and repair of submarine cable, large insulated wires laid across sea-bed connecting distant continents and countries. The company did this for over 60 years until 1926 and at its height, employed over 4000 people and its factories covered an area of approximately 17 acres. This little corner of London was instrumental in pioneering new ways of connecting people and places across the globe.

The main shape of the bench is a playful wave-like form which evokes the water and the sites nautical history. The historic submarine cables are referenced by the rope material which is woven and looped around the rising and falling linear sections of the bench’s stainless steel frame.

The rope forms the main seat of the bench and will be woven in several sections in alternative looping patterns with the denser sections helping to define the seating spaces. The use of traditional rigging knots and splicing techniques will be used to secure the rope sections to the frame resulting in a more authentic and honest approach to the material and the maritime context.