A Soofa is a bench…a solar-powered,
sleekly designed, first-of-its-kind-in-Ohio,
phone-charging bench. A place to sit down,
plug in, and get connected.
And two of them were recently
installed in Moreland’s Hildana Park.
The installation of the Soofa benches
is the culmination of survey work done
last year by the students engaged in the
MOOS (Making Our Own Space) workshop.
Students walked through the neighborhood
taking notes on places they liked and didn’t
like, and identified places where they saw
design opportunities, like Hildana Park.
In working to understand why the
park felt uninviting and underutilized,
students arrived at a simple explanation:
There was no place to sit. MOOS students
designed and built prototypes for the park
and confirmed that the community would
happily enjoy seating.
The next step was the Soofa. The
benches are both functional and fun. In
addition to being a phone-charging station,
a subscription through Verizon enables
internet connectivity, and their modern
design and colorful presence enhance the
attractiveness of the park.
The lively turquoise paint and
messaging on the backrests were
customized for the space. They playfully
proclaim, “Sit down. Plug in. Power up,”
and “This is one smart bench.” Fun,
informative, and inviting, the messaging
can be changed seasonally or used to
market special events.
Have a seat.
Have a Seat
on the Soofa
Diamonds Mens Store opened at 16832 Chagrin Boulevard. Known as Cleveland’s choice
for menswear, the company has been in business since 1941. Founded by Joe Diamond
and now run by the next generation, the store offers the latest trends in well-tailored
business attire and dressy casual clothes, including shoes, socks,
cuff links, and hats. Same day tailoring is available.
Visit them at diamondsmens.com.
Moreland
RISING
Sparkle and Shine:
Diamonds Opens on Chagrin
6 SHAKERONLINE.COM | SUMMER 2017