Peter Newman Creates a UFO Chair among Skyscrapers

Skystation is an interactive public sculpture that also serves as a lounge chair in a public space, by British artist Peter Newman. This circular bench resembling a flying saucer is placed in the central courtyard between the skyscrapers of One Canada Square and Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf, London.

Peter Newman creates a UFO-like chair at Canary Wharf, London.

Skystation is designed with contours that match the human form when lying down. This bench is deliberately placed in a public space to provide an opportunity for visitors to relax, interact and think about a bright future while looking at the blue sky. While lying down, Skystation encourages visitors to reflect on the vastness of the sky above and framed by the architecture of skyscrapers. Made of aluminum material with a shape resembling a flying saucer, "Skystation is not inspired by the shape of a flying saucer or UFO. It was something that came up during the design process, but after that I accepted it," Peter Newman said.

Skystation loads up to 12 people.

This relaxing bench that resembles a flying saucer is designed to be enjoyed by many people, anyone can try and enjoy it. Skystation is Inspired by the shape of the LC4 recliner designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. 

"I admired the LC4 seat for a long time. Its shape is very tightly informed by the human body. I love the generous design and the very relaxed sitting position," Peter Newman said.

This UFO-like chair is made of aluminum.

Starting from a sense of awe at the LC4 recliner, Peter Newman thought about what if the LC4 recliner was designed with a 360-degree circular shape and how to create a comfortable chair for socializing, so a Skystation design was created. Designed with a simple shape Skystation can accommodate up to 12 people. Skystation is an interactive sculpture where art and design live through the interaction of people while visiting and enjoying the comfort of Skystation.

Peter Newman described Skystation as an "interactive public sculpture".