The challenge was to create a more social and accessible space for picnickers to gather and interact in the Phoenix Park. A sensitive response was required, reflecting the unique natural setting and the strong historical heritage. Catering for mixed groups of picnickers, encouraging social interaction and community, providing universal access, creating an interesting spatial arrangement for children and generally enhancing the experience of the park through tactile and subtle interaction with the furniture were key aims. Using the simple geometry of the rectangle, square and circle, table shapes offer a variety of seating options for various group sizes. Longer benches ‘connect’ all three tables, creating a feeling of sharing the space. The main material is native oak from the park. It will silver with weathering and will blend with the setting. The bench legs are staggered in round and square forms– a playful reference to the random irregularity in nature, and the local deer herd.