TRESTLE's 'settle' Turns Irish Vernacular Furniture Into a Movable Public Interior

In the summer of 2026, TRESTLE, a design studio, unveiled 'settle,' a temporary architectural installation aimed at fostering public gatherings. Located in the crypt of St Luke's in Cork City, Ireland, the project was photographed by Willem Pab. Drawing inspiration from traditional Irish furniture, 'settle' incorporates movable elements that can be adjusted for diverse civic environments. The installation highlights the significance of public interiors for shared experiences, echoing Hannah Arendt's concept of a collective 'common world of things.' By advocating for physical public spaces, 'settle' counters social trends that prioritize individualism and digital connections while addressing climate concerns through reuse. The project earned the 2026 Arts Council of Ireland Architecture Project Award, with fabrication by Stevan Hartung and editing by Christina Vergopoulou for designboom.