¡Me Apunto! by Studio An-An (Chicago) was selected as the winning project of the Objects in the City open call, launched by Romanian Design Week in collaboration with Concéntrico – Logroño International Festival of Architecture and Design.
Cities are living ecosystems where every element can play an active role. Among these, rows of street trees stand as silent guardians of public spaces, offering shade, oxygen, and tranquility amid bustling urban life. “¡Me Apunto!” highlights an essential feeling in the civic realm — a sense of participation and companionship — by creating a new bond between pedestrian and green elements in the city.
The modular design features a series of plug-in benches with dedicated cutouts for trees, transforming each seating area into an intimate interaction with nature, where the tree becomes a seated companion. Its flexibility, modularity, and adaptability allow it to seamlessly integrate into diverse urban landscapes, from bustling plazas to quiet neighborhood corners. By encouraging small yet profound interactions with nature, this initiative rekindles affection for the urban environment, transforming public spaces into a living canvas of connection and shared moments.
Studio An-An (安安) is a Chicago-based design studio founded by Zixuan Luo and Bella Wu. The name "安" draws from a Chinese character, with its pictographic structure showing a woman under a roof, meaning the comfort of a safe home. This is a fitting representation for the studio—two women creating spaces that resonate with a sense of belonging. Intrigued by simple ideas that spark curiosity, Studio An-An addresses contemporary challenges through installations and architectural projects. Their work has been recognized and exhibited internationally, including at the 2024 Tallinn Architecture Biennale, Seoul Center of Architecture and Urbanism, and Fundació Mies van der Rohe in Barcelona.
¡Me Apunto! is part of the RDW & the City format, which brings design into the public space and encourages new ways of experiencing the city.
The location of the project will be announced soon.