Design seating cube Sócrates Cubo® polished
Design: Jordi Garcés & Enric Sòria - Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 45 cm - Weight: 361 kg. - Material: cast concrete with natural stone aggregates - Finish: polished and hydrophobic - Colour: standard Escofet colour chart - Installation: free-standing element or with optional anchoring
Betonnen zitkubus met gepolijste, waterafstotend behandelde afwerking voor gebruik in de openbare ruimte. De kubusvorm heeft geen vaste zijrichting: het element kan vrij worden georiënteerd en als enkel zitpunt of in groepsschikking worden ingezet. De gepolijste afwerking geeft het element een architecturale aanwezigheid die past bij verharde pleinen, formele entrees en stedelijke verblijfszones.
| Brand: Escofet 1886 |
| Material type 1: Cast concrete |
| Finish: Polished |
Seating without orientation
A cube has no front. The Sócrates Cubo® offers seating from any direction — visitors choose how and from which side they approach the element. This makes it well suited for plazas where movement patterns vary, for entrance areas where multiple arrival axes converge, and for rest points along pedestrian routes travelled in multiple directions. One element is an individual seating point in public space; three side by side form an informal bench; five in a cluster define a dwell zone.
Concrete as the final material
The Sócrates Cubo® is made of a single material: cast concrete with natural stone aggregates, polished and waterproofed. The polished finish brings out the density of the concrete — the surface reflects light subtly and gives the element an architectural presence suited to clean-lined urban contexts. The waterproofing treatment protects the concrete for long-term outdoor use without affecting the visual quality of the material.
Configuration as a design act
The cube form makes the Sócrates Cubo® a configurable element. Unlike a linear bench, the cube does not dictate direction or sequence — three elements can be placed in parallel, perpendicular, or in an open cluster. This gives the designer control over the social dynamic the arrangement encourages: intimate and defined, or open and inviting. An arrangement that later needs to adapt to changing use patterns requires no new elements — only a different position.
The concrete foundation of the dwell zone
Concrete calls for concrete. A public space that chooses the Sócrates Cubo® as its seating element gains the most when the remaining hardscape elements follow the same material logic: bollards, planters, waste bins, and bike stands in the concrete finish of the Escofet collection. Servibo supplies all these elements through a single point of contact and advises on the composition of the complete dwell zone in public space. Specification texts for the Sócrates Cubo® are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Sócrates Cubo® be combined with the bench models in the Sócrates range?
Yes. The Sócrates Cubo® uses the same concrete mix, finishing processes, and colour palette as the Sócrates Banca 240® and 360®. Combinations of cubes and benches in the same finish are regularly used by designers to support varied use and dwell patterns within one zone.
Does the Sócrates Cubo® need to be anchored to the paving?
This depends on the location. The mass of the element provides sufficient stability in most situations. For publicly accessible spaces with elevated vandalism risk, anchoring in the underlying foundation can be specified. Servibo advises on the most appropriate installation method per project.
Is the Sócrates Cubo® available in colours outside the standard palette?
The Sócrates Cubo® is available in the standard Escofet colour palette. Project-specific colours are possible but require a separate quotation from Escofet and a minimum order quantity. Contact Servibo for the options for your project.
Specification text on request
For projects in public tender we provide specification texts that align with the standard technical descriptions for street furniture. Contact us at info@servibo.be. Technical sheets and material samples for assessing finish quality are also available.
Cast concrete with natural stone aggregates - finish : acid-etched and waterproofed
2 stud bolts M16 x x140 ( Din 931)
Simple installation for long-lasting stability
The Sócrates Cubo requires a careful installation process designed to ensure stability and durability. The product is self-standing and can be placed directly on a solid, flat surface. For additional security against movement, it is recommended to anchor the bench. This involves drilling two holes into the surface, filling them with a strong resin or mortar, and securely fastening bolts (DIN 931 M16 x 140 mm). This guarantees stable placement even in high-traffic environments.
Safe transport and precise positioning
Caution is advised during transport. The bench, weighing 361 kg, must be moved using polyester slings and professional lifting equipment. Special care should be taken to avoid scratches or damage to the polished finish during handling and placement.
Minimal maintenance, maximum appeal
The Sócrates Cubo is low-maintenance thanks to the water-repellent properties of the material. Regular cleaning can be done with water and mild soap. For stubborn stains, a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended to preserve the polished finish. This ease of maintenance ensures long-lasting aesthetics and functionality, even with intensive use.
Betonnen zitkubus met gepolijste, waterafstotend behandelde afwerking voor gebruik in de openbare ruimte. De kubusvorm heeft geen vaste zijrichting: het element kan vrij worden georiënteerd en als enkel zitpunt of in groepsschikking worden ingezet. De gepolijste afwerking geeft het element een architecturale aanwezigheid die past bij verharde pleinen, formele entrees en stedelijke verblijfszones.
Request specification text
Working on a specification for a project with monolithic street furniture? Servibo provides ready-to-use specification texts for the Sócrates collection.
Request specification text for this modelSustainability and lifespan
Escofet 1886 SA uses high-quality raw materials. Polished or acid-washed concrete with natural stone aggregates ages gracefully without coatings. Five-year warranty on all concrete elements. AISI 316 stainless steel for Cenicero inserts.
More about the Sócrates collection
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Frequently asked questions
The Cubo is a cubic module of 60 × 60 × 45 cm with no front or back. As a standalone, it marks resting places, entrances and junctions. Its monumental form suits locations where two pedestrian flows converge — without blocking circulation.
Polished concrete reveals the stone aggregate through a reflective surface that patinates over time. Acid-washed concrete retains its matte, granular texture gracefully. Both finishes are waterproofed. Escofet 1886 provides a five-year warranty on all concrete elements.
The Sócrates Cubo requires no periodic maintenance. Cleaning with a pH-neutral, non-abrasive product is sufficient. Servibo provides advice on request for specific soiling situations.