Francesco Faccin's Pancalpina bench transforms into emergency shelter for alpine trails

Francesco Faccin has designed Pancalpina, a hybrid bench tailored for the alpine terrains of Trentino, Italy. This innovative piece serves as both a resting area and an emergency refuge, featuring a hidden compartment stocked with thermal blankets, a shovel, a torch, and essential tools. Made from robust larch wood and stainless steel to withstand high altitudes, the bench can also support a lightweight tent that utilizes its frame. Commissioned by the Provincia Autonoma di Trento and managed by Trentino Sviluppo, the initiative addresses the growing impact of warmer seasons on mountain ecosystems. Falegnameria Decrestina handled the fabrication, while Paolo Baldessari and Aldo Colonetti provided curatorial oversight. The project, supported by Trentino Marketing, emphasizes safety amid changing weather conditions.