Czech designer Matyáš Barák has developed an innovative public space installation called Tripus that transforms discarded industrial gas pipes into an intimate architectural shelter for urban environments. The unique three-legged structure creates a compact zone within busy city spaces, serving as both a daytime retreat and a softly illuminated nighttime sanctuary for individuals seeking temporary respite from urban life.
The design directly addresses a significant gap in modern public space planning: the lack of small, personal areas where people can briefly withdraw from the bustling city environment. Barák's installation emphasizes the creative reuse of standard industrial components, demonstrating how everyday materials can be repurposed into functional public furniture. The construction process involves welding gas pipes and fittings together to form a sturdy spatial frame, while a central plywood seat serves as the primary anchor point for users.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Tripus design is its integration of practical features within the hollow pipe structure. The empty interior of the gas pipes houses electrical wiring that powers integrated lighting systems and provides additional functionality such as device charging capabilities. This clever use of the pipes' natural hollow form maximizes both space efficiency and utility without compromising the installation's minimalist aesthetic.
After sunset, the structure transforms into an atmospheric lighting feature through a lamp positioned at the top of the installation. This overhead light source distributes a gentle, warm glow throughout the space below, creating an inviting atmosphere that balances practical illumination with a sense of enclosed comfort. The dual functionality reinforces the project's core mission to combine everyday utility with psychological benefits of personal space.
While Barák initially conceived Tripus as a standalone installation, the design concept suggests significant potential for broader urban implementation. The designer envisions these structures being positioned strategically across various public spaces throughout cities, forming a network of small-scale interventions that would provide consistent opportunities for pause and individual use within shared urban environments. Such a distributed approach could fundamentally change how people interact with and experience public spaces in dense metropolitan areas.
