ATTRACTIONS
The Big Bench Community Project: from the idea of Chris Bangle to land development, here are the giant benches
The Big Branch Community Project is an idea that combines design and land enhancement. In 2010, the former designer of cars Chris Bangle left BMW and moved to Italy, to Langhe, where he built the first giant bench, red in color, two meters high and four meters wide.
Since then, this project was born, which allows everyone to make their own giant bench, anywhere, as long as it meets all the guidelines imposed by the vision of Bangle. For example, they must be accessible h24, be in isolated locations and built without public funds.
There are currently 283 benches in the world, and 56 more are already under construction. In addition to creating a design in harmony with nature, the construction of these benches promotes local tourism and support local excellence. Most of these benches are located in Italy, but they are slowly expanding to other places in Europe.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
The Big Bench Community Project: from the idea of Chris Bangle to land development, here are the giant benches
The Big Branch Community Project is an idea that combines design and land appreciation. In 2010, former car designer Chris Bangle left BMW to move to Italy, in the Langhe region, where he built the first giant bench, red, two metres high and four metres wide. Since then, this project was born, which allows anyone to build their own giant bench, anywhere, as long as it respects all the guidelines imposed by Bangle's vision. For example, they must be accessible 24 hours a day, located in isolated places and built without public funds. There are currently 283 benches in the world, and 56 more are already under construction. Besides creating a design in harmony with nature, the construction of these benches promotes local tourism and supports local excellence. Most of these benches are located in Italy, but they are slowly expanding to other places in Europe.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#282 Busalla (Genova)
The Big Bench "bench of the Sun" is located in the locality of Olivieri near the town of Busalla, in the hinterland of Liguria. The design of Big Bench, under copyright, is given to anyone, free of charge, for the construction of the giant bench, only if all the elements that characterize the vision of Chris are respected.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#276 Tizzano Val Parma (Parma)
The giant bench of Tizzano Val Parma is located in Musiara Superiore, at an altitude of 1084 meters on the massif of Mount Caio, near the ski resort of Schia. The picture shows well the guidelines of Chris Bangle, such as the fact that it is in a secluded place and always accessible.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#245 Città di Castello (Perugia)
The bench sits on the top of a hillock nestled among woods, olive groves and vineyards a few kilometers from Città di Castello, in Umbria. Here, too, one of the guidelines essential for getting permission to build it is well noted, namely, that the chosen location be scenic and contemplative.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#192: Rosignano Marittimo (Livorno)
This bench is located in Tuscanian hinterland, in the province of Livorno. A key thing to understand is that BBCP does not sell the benches, but provides the drawings needed for implementation after the location is approved and the administrative paperwork is completed.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#231 Ottiglio (Alessandria)
The bench is located in Madonna dei Monti, Alessandria, in Piemonte. Again a perfect place to isolate oneself and discover nature, immersed in a living area full of history and traditions. A beautiful aspect of the project is that each bench is to be unique and different from the other in terms of color. So, as the number of benches increased, we also started to use two colors, one for the seat and one for the supports, or one for the backrest and one for the seat.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#219 Pieve a Nievole (Pistoia)
The first bench built in the province of Pistoia, Toscana. Reached on foot or by bicycle, it offers a beautiful sunset view of the town. Remember that they are indeed giant benches, so it is very impactful to be on top of them admiring the view.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#174 Locana (Torino)
Bench built near Turin, the capital of Piedmont. Another special feature of the project is that the BBCP will make at least one customised stamp for each new bench. At the expense of the promoter, i.e. the person building the bench, is the choice of a business in the area, close to the bench, which will have to buy the stamp and stamp the travellers' passports. In addition, the participating businesses must also undertake to sell the passports at the agreed price.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#182 Sondrio
This one in Sondrio is the first bench built in Valtellina, a beautiful area of Lombardia, in northern Italy. Here one can enjoy a beautiful view of the Orobie Valtellinesi park and the Adamello group . It should be specified how the funds are totally private and borne by the developer, but BBCP claims that to build a complete bench requires, roughly, 5000€. In the absence of private funds, sponsorship can be sought from local companies, which will then be integrated in the maintenance but also in the tourist benefits that the bench brings.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#168 Valtournenche (Aosta)
One of the world's highest benches, positioned in the mountains of the Aosta Valley at 2860 meters above sea level. Importantly, the entire project and the Foundation that has directed it since 2021 is totally Non-Profit, with limited financial and personnel resources. Nothing is privately held, everything is reinvested for further expansion projects, as no public funds are used.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#152 Mezzenile (Torino)
Another bench in the metropolitan area of Turin, the capital of Piedmont. Started as a project among friends and neighbors, now Big Bench Community Project is quickly gaining many enthusiasts who, immersing themselves in nature, travel Italy and beyond to visit these places.
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
BB#143 Perosa Argentina (Torino)
One of the most beautiful benches of all, again in the mountains around Turin. We now want to bring you back here part of the vision of the initial initiator Chris Bangle: "Giant benches are often known by images, but once you sit on one and enjoy the view as if "you were a child again," you have an intense experience to share with others. Benches are made for relaxing, unlike a chair or armchair they are wide enough to accommodate one or more friends. Sitting on a bench is a pleasant social gesture, and making good use of all the positive energy that the Giant Benches give off is the vision behind the The Big Bench Community Project".
@bigbenchcommunityproject - Instagram
CASASCO, big bench num 129
Very small municipality of Piemonte, in the area of Alessandria. As can be seen, many benches are located in northern Italy, and especially in Piedmont, which probably has the highest concentration of them. This is because, obviously, the project was born in this area, and this is where the expansion began. Therefore, one should not be surprised if, after a long journey, to always returns home in the end.
Attractions
15/06/2024
During a visit to Barcelona, among the many sights available, one cannot fail to pay a visit to Casa Battlò, perhaps the most unique residence in the world. In fact, its architecture is absolutely unique, and it is one of the most famous sights in Spain.
Entirely renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by the great architect Antoni Gaudi, it is located at number 43 Passeig de Gràcia and is considered one of the architect's most original creations. Since 2005, the house has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the 1990s, the building has been in the hands of its current owners, the Bernat family, who have completely reformed it.
Attractions
10/06/2024
The Colosseum in Rome, the ancient arena where jousts, gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place, is the most famous monument in Italy, the one that immediately comes to mind when talking about the Belpaese.
Its history and the legends surrounding this marvellous building, much changed over the centuries, are steeped in the soul of Italy, with its contradictions, its problems but also its beauty.
Despite being one of the world's most famous and well-known sights, without a doubt some things you will not know, and you will be surprised by the curiosities surrounding its stones.