Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Stone Benches in the Shape of Fish – Public Space as a Place of Experience

As part of the development of a children’s park in Dračevica on the island of Brač, we realised a project that clearly demonstrates how thoughtfully designed public space can go beyond its basic function and become a place of interaction, play, and identity. In collaboration with Ivana Salopek, mag.ing.prosp.arch., and her studio Greenarto j.d.o.o., with the support of the LAG/FLAG initiative, stone benches were created that are not merely elements of urban furniture, but sculptural features with a strong spatial presence. At the heart of the project are stone benches in the shape of fish, crafted from white Brač stone – a material renowned for its durability, aesthetic quality, and strong local character. Here, stone is used not only as a construction material, but also as a narrative medium. Its texture, brightness, and capacity for fine craftsmanship enabled the creation of fluid, organic forms that evoke the sea and the island’s fishing tradition. The design of the benches is conceived as a balance between functionality and play. Their form allows for multiple uses – as seating, resting, but also as elements for climbing, exploration, and spontaneous play. This multifunctionality was essential: the benches are not passive objects, but active participants in the space. Rounded edges, ergonomic inclines, and carefully finished surfaces ensure safety and long-term durability, particularly important in public spaces intended for children. This project once again highlights the importance of high-quality public space design. Elements such as benches often define how a space is used and experienced. When thoughtfully designed, aesthetically integrated, and functionally refined, they add value – transforming space into a place of gathering, interaction, and community identity. Our workshop has extensive experience in the realisation of public space projects, whether in the comprehensive design of entire environments or in the execution of specific elements. We produce a wide range of stone solutions – from stone benches, planters, and fountains to paving, walls, and architectural-sculptural interventions. Each project is approached individually, in close collaboration with architects and clients, with the aim of achieving an optimal balance between design, function, and durability. Working with white Brač stone is a particular area of our expertise. It is a material that requires knowledge, precision, and a strong sense of form, but offers exceptional aesthetic value and longevity. Through projects like this, we demonstrate how traditional stonemasonry can serve contemporary spatial design. The project in Dračevica is yet another example of how carefully designed details can create spaces that inspire, endure, and connect with their users – spaces where stone becomes more than a material, and a bench more than a place to sit.