Clearly this object in public space is ambiguous. Given its recognisable form, the seat is mistaken for a trash bin, appearing similar to the underground waste containers in Rdam (image below).
Yet, it was designed with a very different objective. These seats, placed at strategic points in public space, are part of the campaign ‘Rotterdam Circulair’ and aimed to engage users with the city’s ambition for a circular economy by 2030. They are made using the tops of old waste containers, ‘upcycled’ public infrastructure.
![](https://i0.wp.com/publicspacedetective.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_9002.jpg?resize=580%2C602&ssl=1)
So far so good, but it seems ironic that the opposite of the intended effect is achieved; people dumping litter in such a way that pollutes public space and limits the potential for recyling. Moreso, the simplistic thought that people might want to sit on an object associated with a pile of garbage – underground trash containers can store up to 5 m3 of household refuse – is baffling.
Ambiguity in public space requires a delicate balance, even more so when the intention is humour. To be continued.