Rooted in environmental ethics, modernized for today’s outdoor enthusiasts
Driven by excellence in sustainability while designing for people and the planet, outdoor furniture brand Loll Designs introduces the new dining and lounge collection Here and There, Loll’s first collaboration with Michigan design studio Argenta Park.
With a knack for modernizing classic outdoor furniture archetypes (like the modern Adirondack chair and Fredricksonn, their take on a front porch rocker), Loll Designs introduces Here and There as their latest salute to a beloved design concept, a reimagination of what’s fondly known today as the “Leopold Bench.” Rooted in timeless simplicity, Here and There features modern materials and lines while expanding the original idea into a complete collection: Here and There Bench, Here and There Dining Chair, and Here and There Dining Table in 3 sizes (with or without umbrella insert options).
“Inspired by early 20th century American conservationist and founder of ecology Aldo Leopold, Here and There is designed for year-round outdoor enjoyment, reminding us that protecting the environment starts with the right perspective,” says Eric Swanson, President of Loll Designs. “With a seating style that welcomes you to sit forward, backward, and anywhere in between, Here and There opens up our view of nature, fostering a greater appreciation for the environment and a deep responsibility for its future well-being.”
From the beginning, Argenta Park focused on preserving the spirit of Leopold’s bench while introducing new elements for today’s standards of comfort met with responsible manufacturing. “Here and There features improved angles, added surface area, and enhanced contours necessary for extended relaxation. Clean joinery and hidden fasteners complement rather than compete with nature—and Loll’s durable recycled materials and commitment to sustainability allowed us to create a contemporary expression of Leopold’s legacy—one that spans design and environmental preservation,” says Ricky Biddle, Argenta Park Designer and creative mind behind the initial Here and There concept.
Combined with Loll’s signature materiality and range of colors, the result is a true “Loll take” on an American classic. And as a final nod to its origins, Here and There is named after Leopold’s novel, A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There (1949), which chronicles his travels and philosophies on environmentalism. As the founding father of The Land Ethic®, which, as the Aldo Leopold Foundation states, is a “moral code of conduct that stems from the interconnected relationship [between people and the land],” Leopold’s philosophies continue to encourage one to pause, relax and contemplate the natural world around them to this day.
“This collection brings together many things I care about,” says Churu Yun, Founder and Principal Designer at Argenta Park. “I live on a farm where I’ve been learning and practicing permaculture, which has deepened my awe of the intelligence built into the natural world. Leopold understood this deeply, so he built a simple bench to sit and admire it. That bench inspires this collection.”
Here and There is manufactured from 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is available in Black, Charcoal Grey, Fog and Sage. The HDPE material is reinforced with powder-coated stainless steel or aluminum supports to add to the strength and longevity of each piece. Whether placed here and there in a lush green garden, a dining terrace, public park, or any spot designated for spending meaningful time in nature, Here and There’s roots in environmental ethics are harmoniously joined with the values of today’s nature enthusiasts who share in Loll’s mission to inspire others to appreciate—and preserve—the great outdoors.
About Loll Designs
Designed, sourced and manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A., Loll Designs (a Landscape Forms company) was founded on principles of thoughtful design and the responsible use/reuse of recycled materials in manufacturing modern outdoor furniture solutions for residential and commercial spaces. Loll prioritizes a “people and nature first” approach to business, as seen through their many social and environmental efforts, including their membership and contributions to 1% for the Planet (led by the proceeds of Loll’s Lollygagger collection), their philanthropic endeavors in preserving local ecosystems and fostering community engagement outdoors, as well as a growing list of awards and accolades for excellence in sustainable design spanning product, manufacturing and corporate responsibility. Their mission: To inspire others to appreciate the outdoors. Loll Designs is TRUE Gold Certified for their leadership in guiding American manufacturing toward zero-waste, Cradle to Cradle® Certified Bronze certified, and Red List Free. www.lolldesigns.com @lolldesigns
About Argenta Park
Argenta Park is a Michigan-based industrial design and interaction design studio established in 2017 by designer Churu Yun. Following experience at Frog Design and Teague on future-forward design work, Churu looked homeward to establish his practice in Michigan. Over time, he grew a team with an uncommon fluency between thinking and making. The team works with clients across furniture, consumer goods, healthcare, and transportation industries. The work is guided by rightness: systems that settle into place, resolved and enduring.