What is Rant Bench project?


WHY

  • the decline of public benches in urban spaces

  •  the importance of public participation in urban planning processes


HOW

  • introducing the Rant Bench in downtown Oulu as a conversation starter

  • collecting anonymous, spontaneous comments via voicemail

  • gathering survey responses through an online form and on-site participation

  • organizing a Summer Furniture Workshop

    WHAT

  • engaging in dialogue about public space: Who does it belong to, and what should it include?

  • creating an opinion archive based on anonymous feedback on the current state of urban space

  •  using feedback to inform a summer furniture workshop with residents

SHARED URBAN SPACES

Urban life is built on activity and interaction within shared spaces. Through our choices, we contribute to the maintenance of urban culture. Cities reflect various societal phenomena: inequality, relationships with others, and the environment—who holds power, and who is prioritized in urban planning? While we actively shape urban culture, we depend on the city's infrastructure, including its physical and social accessibility. Does urban space restrict or enable? Do we feel that these spaces are designed for us? Do we, as city residents, believe we have the power to influence our shared spaces?

According to the Finnish Constitution (2 §), democracy includes the individual's right to participate in and influence the development of society and their living environment. For city residents to influence urban development, planning processes must be open and accessible. Sometimes, participation requires thought-provoking questions and the empowerment of agency. We believe that city residents should have multiple ways to influence their environment. Temporary urban interventions—such as performances, picnics, or protests—are one form of reclaiming space. Additionally, public opinion should be reflected in the design of permanent urban features, such as seating and lighting. Lowering the threshold for participation fosters a more diverse community.

GROWING INEQUALITY IN PUBLIC SPACE

The inclusivity of urban space can be examined through small spatial changes. For instance, in 2023, benches were removed from the busy Kauppurien Square in Oulu due to concerns about disruptive behavior. Similarly, benches from the public Summer Street inside the Valkea shopping center were relocated to the side corridors. While these decisions may seem minor or insignificant, we see them as part of a broader trend found in many cities, where urban space is increasingly designed for economic benefit. The commercialization of public space often leads to inequality and exclusion, affecting various groups. For example, removing benches also makes it harder for people with mobility challenges or those who simply need a place to rest.

Instead of restricting or removing urban furniture, we advocate for embracing the uniqueness of public spaces by incorporating diverse seating, accessibility features, and atmospheric elements. By adding diverse seating areas and small urban oases, we can create welcoming spots that encourage people to engage with their surroundings. A sense of belonging in a space fosters a desire to influence it. An equitable, inviting, and accessible urban space is essential for both vibrant city life and commercial activity.

RANT ON!

Benches are a fundamental element of urban design. They provide places to rest, converse, and observe city life—whether alone or in groups, quietly or chatting away. Benches are free and accessible to everyone, making them a crucial feature of shared urban spaces.

As a response to critical changes in urban spaces, our collective is bringing the Rant Bench to downtown Oulu. As a conversation starter, we aim to encourage dialogue with citizens. Built from recycled materials, the Rant Bench will be placed in different locations for a week at a time: Kauppurien Square, the northeastern side of Otto Karhi Park, and Post Square. During its three-week journey, we will collect stories and experiences about urban space. If nothing else, you can always comment on the peculiar bench!

Feedback will be gathered through the Rant Bench's voicemail as well as via an online or on site with our help, which can be completed on designated days at the location. By offering multiple response formats, we aim to capture a wide range of perspectives from city residents. The responses will help us identify the qualities of meaningful public spaces, highlight deficiencies in urban areas, and explore ideas for improving downtown public spaces. The collected feedback will be used anonymously to inform future urban interventions and serve as a foundation for a public Summer Furniture Workshop in 2025, where we will collaboratively build a new piece of urban furniture.

The Rant Bench Project is part of Sopukka – The Nook, a program within Oulu’s European Capital of Culture 2026 initiative.

This project is supported by: