Design bench Sócrates Banca 360® polished
Design : Jordi Garcés & Enric Sòria - Dimensions : 360 x 60 x 45 (45) cm - Gewicht : 2.230 kg. - Material: cast concrete with natural stone aggregates - Finish: polished and waterproofed - Colour: standard Escofet colour chart - Installation: free-standing element or with optional anchoring
| Brand: Escofet 1886 |
| Material type 1: Cast concrete |
| Finish: Polished |
Anchor element on the large plaza
At 360 cm the Sócrates 360® is not a bench in the conventional sense — it is a public furniture piece at architectural scale. This scale suits city squares, market places, and large park axes where visitor density requires a seating element that accommodates multiple people simultaneously, and where the horizontal mass of the bench also fulfils a spatial function: orientation point, windbreak, demarcation of the dwell zone. The Sócrates 360® is most at home where the empty space feels too large to dwell in without a clear anchor point.
The weight of concrete at large scale
At 360 cm the material is everything. The Sócrates 360® requires no visual support from other materials — the cast concrete with polished finish is sufficient in itself. The polished surface reflects ambient light subtly and gives the bench a presence that changes with the light of the day: matte under an overcast sky, lightly shimmering in sun. The waterproofing treatment protects the element for long-term outdoor use without affecting the visual quality of the concrete.
Presence as a spatial choice
A concrete bench of 360 cm is an architectural statement. The length creates a social attractor: large enough to sit on as a group, to sit on sideways, to lean against. That multi-directionality distinguishes the Sócrates 360® from shorter benches that only encourage linear use. For plazas with a high throughput rate, that multi-directionality also makes the bench usable for passers-by who pause briefly, not only for visitors who stay longer. The bench fits the standard Escofet colour palette; project-specific colours are available on request.
Anchor for the complete project palette
Large public spaces require coherence at large scale. The Sócrates 360® as anchor element works best combined with other Escofet elements that follow the same concrete logic: planters in the same colour and finish, bollards that do not interrupt the bench profile, waste bins that do not break the material state. Servibo coordinates the delivery of the complete hardscape design of the outdoor public space through a single point of contact for Belgium and Luxembourg. Specification texts for the Sócrates 360® are available on request.
Cast concrete with natural stone aggregates - finish : acid-etched and waterproofed
2 stud bolts M16 x x140 ( Din 931)
Careful installation for maximum stability
The installation of the Sócrates 360 requires a precise approach due to its larger size and weight of 2230 kg. The product is self-standing and can be placed on a solid, flat surface. For additional stability, especially in high-traffic or open environments, anchoring is strongly recommended. This process involves drilling holes into the surface, filling them with a strong resin or mortar, and fastening bolts (DIN 931 M16 x 140 mm).
Safe transport and accurate placement
Caution is essential during transport to keep the polished finish intact. Professional lifting equipment, such as polyester slings, must be used to safely move the bench. Ensure that damage to the finish is avoided during transport and installation.
Low-maintenance and long-lasting
Maintenance of the Sócrates 360 is straightforward thanks to its water-repellent surface. Regular upkeep includes cleaning the surface with water and mild soap. Stubborn stains can be removed with a non-abrasive cleaner. These low-maintenance features ensure the bench remains aesthetically pleasing and functional, even after years of intensive use.
Banc en béton de 360 cm avec finition polie et hydrofugée. À cette échelle, le Sócrates 360® est un élément structurant dans les grands espaces publics : places de ville, marchés, promenades et parvis de grands noeuds de transport. La forme monolithique en béton ne présente aucun joint visible. La finition polie confère au banc une présence architecturale qui reflète la lumière et accentue l'espace.