Over the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed in work patterns and social relations. Sam Guy has created The Cooperation/Balance Bench in response to this to encourage interaction through the cooperation needed to allow the bench to function – it gives adults ‘permission to play’. with the potential to reduce loneliness and improve mental health and wellbeing.

Designed for inclusive public spaces, the bench is 2.4m wide meaning two individuals can use this bench at a safe distance or bubbles of up to six people can use it.

Other markets are potentially viable for The Cooperation/Balance Bench – as garden furniture, or in offices, schools, universities, hotels and leisure complexes.