Park Bench Blog

Public Art Project - City of Burlington

2011-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Artist: Asli Alin
Location: Burlington, Ontario

"It's fun to be creative when you can turn to a company like Maglin to bring concepts into reality." Asli Alin

Recently artist Asli Alin was selected as an artist for a public art project to design unique and one of a kind seating elements for the City of Burlington. Five of her proposed seating elements were laser cut designs to be placed on the back of a bench. Asli turned to Maglin and their MLB450M Bench to apply her original artworks. Like much of her artwork, she drew inspiration from nature and imagination.

These benches will be installed throughout the Hydro Corridor Multi-Use Pathway in Burlington as part of the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Stimulus Funding Program. This project provided a public art opportunity for the commissioning of artistically designed benches. The public art design concept was selected through an open competition to find unique, one of a kind seating elements for the City of Burlington.

"We were thrilled to be chosen by Asli for this project and are very pleased with the end result. These are interesting and unique benches that will enhance the pathway project and provide an inviting place to relax along the way". Ian McAskile, Maglin President

The Peabody Orlando

2011-03-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

After a decade of planning and two and a half years of construction, The Peabody Orlando officially opened the doors to its $450 million hotel expansion on September 23rd, 2010. The newly expanded hotel features a 32-story tower and 1641 ultra-luxurious guestrooms. Originally built in 1986, The Peabody Orlando has become a landmark in the Orlando meetings and conventions market.

The Peabody Orlando's 891 existing guestrooms were also renovated with the same contemporary design, luxurious decor and furnishings, creating a seamless transition into the new tower.

Some of the construction industry's most experienced and talented engineers, designers and construction professionals were engaged in the project. Maglin worked with Brad Collett of EDSA Plan to supply The Peabody Orlando's exterior with several MLB700AW Benches, and MLWR400W-20 Trash Containers with MLAU101 Side Ash Receptacles.

When choosing the site furnishings for The Peabody Orlando the client was looking for something that demonstrated a combination of subtle contemporary form and warm, classic materials compatible with the architectural and landscape expression of the project.

"Our experience working with Maglin was really quite effortless. Our sales representative was on top of the order from start to finish and worked with us and the owner right up to the time we needed to execute the purchase order to ensure that the quantity of furnishings and accessories for each met the project's need. We found Maglin to be timely in their response to our inquiries, and at the end of the day delivered a top quality product consistent with the Peabody brand". - Brad Collett, Project Manager EDSA Plan

Peabody Hotel

Since opening its doors in November 1986, The Peabody Orlando has kept the Peabody tradition alive with the March of The Peabody Ducks. Each morning at 11:00 a.m. the five North American mallard ducks; four hens and one drank descend in an elevator from their Royal Duck Palace to the hotel's atrium lobby. Accompanied by their Duck Master, The Peabody Ducks waddle their way in formation through the hotel's marble halls to the orchid-crowned fountain and splash into the fountain's waters. The procession is reversed at 5:00 p.m. Peabody Hotels is a division within the portfolio Peabody Hotel Group of Memphis, Tennessee and comprises The Peabody Orlando, The Peabody Memphis and The Peabody Little Rock (all Forbes Travel Guide Four Star rated hotels).

For more information on The Peabody Orlando, visit their website http://www.peabodyorlando.com/

EDSA Plan

With five decades of experience and hundreds of completed projects on six continents; EDSA has helped shape the global practice of planning, landscape architecture, urban design and graphic design. Founded on the principles that drive the company's progress, adhering to superior design standards and environmental stewardship, EDSA has been recognized by nearly 300 industry awards.

For more information on EDSA Plan, visit their website http://www.edsaplan.com/

What is PaperStone®?

2010-09-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Maglin's new 1400 Series product line employs a material called PaperStone®. PaperStone's componen parts are quite simple and friendly to the earth. It is created using FSC-Certified 100% post-consumer recycled paper saturated with proprietary pheolic resins containing ingredients like cashew nut shell liquid. Once saturated, the sheets are fused together under heat and pressure. This cross-links the resin polymer in all three directions producing a dense, homogeneous and essentially non-porous composite product that does not delaminate. Ordinary paper is transformed into an extremely strong and durable solid surface material with incredible longevity and resistance to water. PaperStone® has a class A fire and smoke rating. It is heat resistant to 350°F.

PaperStone® is not just an attractive new material that is produced in a socially responsible manner. It is also strong and tough. It has steel-like strength in span, stone-like beauty and it can be worked like fine hardwoods. PaperStone® is innovative and cost competitive. It is a beautiful, heavy-duty, composite known for its environmental sustainability, its contemporary appearance and its remarkable warmth to touch. PaperStone® is VOC-free, including formaldehyde, and emits no radon gases.

PaperStone® is one of the few architectural solid surface materials certified to FSC standards by the Smartwood Program of the Rainforest Alliance.

Take it Outside
PaperStone® is long lasting indoors and will hold up for decades. PaperStone® products used outdoors will give years of use and satisfaction to its owner. A big advantage of PaperStone® over any wood product in an outside condition is its complete resistance to insects; thus, making the planet greener by eliminating the need for harmful pesticides. Also, it has the green element of being made of recycled paper and uses many natural ingredients.

PaperStone® can and has been used in outdoor applications as siding, benches, chairs, tables, barbeque counters and cutting boards. The life span of PaperStone® outside is difficult to predict due to the wide variety of seasonal, annual, and regional weather extremes.

Outdoor applications will reduce its life span, just like any other product on the market. Outdoor weather will degrade PaperStone® over time as it will other products such as wood, rock or stone.

Similar to other wood products, color fading is to be expected. Typical issues that could arise from prolonged unprotected exposure of PaperStone® to outside weather conditions are: edge checking, blistering, warping, slight fading, and in very extreme conditions delaminating.

1400 Series - A collection of sustainable products

2010-08-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

August 1st, 2010 - Maglin Site Furniture Inc., designer and manufacturer of public site furniture is pleased to unveil and introduce the 1400 Series, a collection of sustainable benches, trash and recycling units. The new product line will officially debut at the American Society of Landscape Architect (ASLA) Conference and Expo in Washington, D.C. September 10 - 13, 2010.

"We are very excited to introduce a versatile product line that incorporates so many sustainable elements for the outdoor public site furniture market" says Ian McAskile - President, Maglin Site Furniture. "Maglin is continuing in our efforts to invest in good design and create products that are better for the environment that we live in."

Designed by up and coming Industrial Designer, Frank Crawford, the appealing lines of the 1400 Series offers a modern elegance suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The benches are scaled to allow for placement in environments that a heavier commercial bench may look out of place, but durable enough to withstand the realities of public spaces.

The MLB1400 bench and MLB1400B backless bench models are available in 5 foot lengths. The case aluminum frames are made from 95% recycled material; 57% post consumer and 38% post industrial. The aluminum construction ensures durability as well as eliminating the need for chemical based corrosion resistance coatings. Variations in the seat allow for solid surface paper laminate or HDPE plastic sheet to be utilized; both containing 100% recycled material.

Rounding out the new series are a trash container as well as a 2-unit and 3-unit recycling station. The trash container and recycling stations accept various media panels such as aluminum and stainless steel in addition to the solid surface paper laminate and HDPE plastic sheet options. All units are available with side loading openings for ease of use. Custom vinyl graphics can also be applied to brand the units as your own.

About Maglin Site Furniture
Maglin Site Furniture is a leading designer and manufacturer of public site furniture. With locations across North America - we continue to service our clients to a level that exceeds their expectations.

The durability of our furniture originates with the selection of quality materials and a system of rust proofing that sets the industry standard. State-of-the-art technology is combined with time-honored production methods to create truly stunning products built to stand the test of time and people.

For more information:
Linda Atkinson
Marketing Manager
Maglin Site Furniture Inc.
800-716-5506 ext. 222
latkinson@maglin.com

Manitoba Hydro Place leads the way in Energy Efficiency

2010-07-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

"...North America's most complex energy-efficient building is also sited in one of its most challenging climates"

Manitoba Hydro Place is one of the most energy-efficient buildings of its size in North America; it is currently consuming 65% less energy than the national building code requirements.

The 700,000 square foot 22-story office tower employs 1800 employees and occupies a full block in the center of Winnipeg, a city well known for its extreme climate. Manitoba Hydro has set ambitious goals that include energy efficiency, urban revitalization, and a supportive workplace.

Every part of the building relates to the whole. The signature capital 'A' comprises twin 18-story office towers set on a 3-story, street-scaled podium. The podium, divided by the Public Galleria and clad in masonry to connect to the city's historic fabric, creates a sheltered route through the full city block. The towers converge at the building's north end to minimize the north-facing surface area. To maximize solar and wind exposure, the towers splay open to the south, where they are clad in low-iron glazing to minimize the mass of the building in the urban context. The solar chimney is both essential to the passive ventilation strategy and for presenting the building as a new urban icon. The south-facing winter gardens feature 24-meter-tall waterfalls that humidify or dehumidify (depending on the season) incoming air and animate the space as kinetic sculpture.

Manitoba Hydro Place's low roof surfaces consist of planted green roofs which offer a number of benefits, additional insulation value, and protection from solar gain in the summer and heat loss in Winnipeg's long extreme winters. Green roofs can help alleviate the urban "heat island effect" by minimizing the heat absorption and effectively putting water back into the local environment. The green roof also provides 3 terraces for staff to utilize against the green roof surfaces.

When furnishing the terraces, special consideration was taken to find seating that is both durable and can be easily maintained for the extreme climate. All materials needed to be environmentally responsible and aesthetically fit with the building. As a Canadian company Maglin was chosen by Manitoba Hydro to supply the furniture that is now installed on the terraces. The MLPT1050RP cluster seating units, MLB1050RP benches and MLWR400RP-20 trash containers were chosen because of their recycled content. The product frames are made from extruded steel which contains recycled materials and is fully recyclable. The slats are constructed using recycled plastic which can stand up to the extreme climate, will not absorb moisture, rot, splinter, or crack.

Manitoba Hydro Place has won many awards including the Exclusive Canadian recipient of the 2010 AIA/COTE Top Ten Award; 2009 CTBUH Best Tall Building Award - Americas; 2008 IBS Award, Highly Commended; 2006 MIPIM Architectural Review Awards - Commended for Innovation; and 2006 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.

Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro is the major energy utility in the Province of Manitoba and the fourth largest energy utility in Canada. Owned by the provincial government and with some of the lowest energy rates in the world; nearly all electricity Manitoba Hydro generates is from self-renewing water power from fourteen hydroelectric generating stations, primarily on the Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and Nelson Rivers. The company employs 6,200 people, of which over 4,000 are located in Winnipeg. Known for their forward thinking and community spirit, Manitoba Hydro Place has helped the company fulfill an aggressive mandate to tangibly demonstrate their deep-rooted belief in sustainability.

Manitoba Hydro's mandate: To be the best utility in North America with respect to safety, rates, reliability, customer satisfaction and environmental management, and to always be considerate of the needs of customers, employees, and stakeholders.

For more information on Manitoba Hydro, visit their website http://www.hydro.mb.ca/

Maglin Recycles with Crystal City BID

2010-06-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

"Crystal City is a transit-oriented, and therefore, inherently green area."

Characterized as one of the many "urban villages" by Arlington County, Crystal City is populated by high-rise apartment buildings, corporate offices, hotels and numerous shops and restaurants.

The name "Crystal City" was named after the first building development, which was called Crystal House and had an elaborate crystal chandelier in the lobby.

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is encouraging the community to combine environmentally friendly practices with outdoor activities. Residents are encouraged to participate in 'bike to work day', as well as the recycling of electronics and other equipment. Crystal City has developed a slate of sustainable based activities called "Green Scene"; as part of this initiative Maglin was contacted to design recycling centers.

Property owners from the Cystal City BID have expanded their recycling programs by adding plastic and glass to paper and cardboard programs inside of hotels, offices and residential buildings. These programs have also extended to the streets with the addition of Maglin recycling centers. Maglin's custom lasered MRC972 units are strategically placed throughout the downtown corridor and allow users to easily recycle aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles, and mixed paper products. "Working with Maglin was a great experience. The customer service was excellent; their team helped us implement a creative design that matches well with our entire corporate branding, and did so at a reasonable price" - Rob Mandle, V.P. Operations. The recycle units are painted green and have a laser cut design of the Crystal Green logo in them. The units are readily identifiable and easy to use.

Crystal Green's program consists of environmental responsibility and sustainable landscaping programs, waste-free events, composting, street recycling, electronics recycling events, a Farmers' Market, and many more planned events. All events use compostable materials including knives, forks and napkins to help reduce the use of plastics. A "community shred" program is also brought in, to allow residents to shred and then recycle old documents.

The 'Green Scene' was named a finalist by the 2009 Washington Business Journal's Green Business Award in Education and Outreach; and has aslo received an Award of Distinction from The International Downtown Association (IDA).

The Cystal City Business Improvement District (BID)

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promoted the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN.

For more information on the Crystal City BID visit their website http://www.crystalcity.org

Maglin and NewBridge on the Charles

2010-03-08T11:51:00.001-08:00

Hebrew SeniorLife broke ground on NewBridge on the Charles in June 2007, with the aim of opening the entire community by the fall of 2009. Situated on a scenic 162-acre campus NewBridge will include 256 homes in cottages, villas, and apartments for active, independent seniors. As well as a community center, fitness facilities, three dining venues, classrooms, art studios, theatre, and weekly housekeeping. The campus will also include 350 assisted living, sub-acute and long-term care beds. On June 15, independent residents living in the community's cottages, villas and apartments started moving into their new homes. In July, the assisted living units opened and the healthcare center was scheduled to open this past October, 2009.

Maglin supplied custom made benches, designed for the very high profile courtyard. "Maglin was very helpful and paid a good deal of attention to detail during the submittal process. Each bench was made custom with different lengths and radii. They needed to be constructed perfectly to fit the radial site walls," Mike Nowicki, Stantec.

Installed by Greenscape Inc, the courtyard is an intensive roof garden set above an underground parking garage. To generate a good level of pedestrian flow throughout the space, it is enclosed on three sides by the High-end independent living style apartments and the Community Center. The courtyard will be seen by the residents of the apartments from up to four stories above finished grade. This led the design team to create a free flowing, organic design for the courtyard, which plays against the clean rectilinear lines of the architecture and provide an interesting view from above. The Maglin benches added another layer of depth to the organic design.

Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife, founded in 1903, provides a continuum of care to more than 5,000 seniors in the Boston area including supportive senior housing, a continuing care retirement community, adult day health, long-term care, post-acute short-term care, and out-patient clinics. The organization's Institute for Aging Research has earned worldwide recognition for its work in geriatric medicine and applied geriatric research. The largest provider-based, geriatric research facility in the country, the institute is committed to finding ways to improve the quality of life for adults as they age. The institute's faculty, many of whom hold Harvard Medical School appointments, includes leading experts on a broad range of conditions that affect seniors, including, delirium and dementia, osteoporosis, falls and fainting, cardiovascular disease and quality health care standards. Hebrew SeniorLife trains more than 1,000 caregivers in geriatric care annually and is a major site of the Harvard Medical School's Geriatric Fellowship Program. Hebrew SeniorLife is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization independently funded by individual, foundation, and corporate gifts and supported by the membership of its auxiliaries.

For more information on Hebrew SeniorLife visit their website http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/

Maglin works with Ochsner Hare & Hare

2010-03-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Summit Fair is a 550,000-square-foot; open-air lifestyle shopping center located in the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri. Lee's Summit was named after an important Union Pacific railroad stop at the highest elevation between St. Louis and Kansas City. Drawing on this history, the development features a "Main Street" shopping corridor with building architecture inspired by the great union stations throughout the world.

The pedestrian walkways and courtyards are highlighted by beautiful landscaping, decorative paving, pedestrian and specialty lighting, and a collection of custom site furnishings. The shopping center's central pedestrian courtyard includes a programmable fountain feature, a clock tower, and a variety of seating options that allow visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Ochsner Hare & Hare (OHH) designed a distinct logo for Summit Fair that would be used for the marketing of the lifestyle center. They then recruited a talented group of manufacturers to design a collection of custom site furnishings and environmental graphics that incorporated this logo. "I originally contacted Maglin about providing the benches for Summit Fair. I was really impressed with the overall quality of service offered and eventually asked Maglin to provide the custom planters as well. Maglin was terrific to work with throughout the design process. And in the end, the benches and planters were just what we were hoping for - unique, high-quality products at an affordable price." Collin Christopher, Assistant Project Manager.

As part of the ongoing retail development at Summit Fair, RED Development (owner), will commission an artist to create a permanent, outdoor art installation for a roundabout green space. The lifestyle center, anchored by Macy's and JCPenney, will also include home furnishing stores, men's and women's fashion, fast-casual eateries, sit-down restaurants and specialty retailers. Summit Fair opened to the public in the fall of 2009.

Ochsner Hare & Hare

Ochsner Hare & Hare provided conceptual design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration services at Summit Fair. OHH's scope encompassed the hardscape, landscape, and irrigation of the lifeystyle center, including the pedestrian courtyards and walkways, landscape beds adjacent to the buildings, and the selection of site furnishings. OHH was responsible for all landscaping and irrigation within the parking lot and along the perimeter of the site. Additionally, OHH provided fountain, exterior lighting, and environmental graphics coordination.

For more information on Ochsner Hare & Hare, visit their website http://www.ohhkc.com/

RED Development, LLC

RED Development targets vibrant, growing communities for its one-of-a-kind development projects. RED Development has the ability to create unique destinations that are frequented by millions due to the experience RED creates with its tenant mix., architectural design, lush landscaping and community events.

The goal of RED Developments design is to make the shopping experience more than buying a product. RED strives for an environment in which visitors enjoy the entire process of shopping from the time they arrive to the time they pull out of the parking lot. Restaurants and entertainment venues also bring uniqueness to the centers. RED employs designs that are convenient for local residents, such as creating hybrid centers that combine big box retailers, specialty retailers, service providers and restaurants in an enjoyable outdoor setting.

For more information on RED Development, LLC visit their website http://www.reddevelopment.com/