First BIG C chair on Johannisplatz: Chemnitz gets creative!

First BIG C chair on Johannisplatz: Chemnitz gets creative!

The anticipation in Chemnitz is growing because work has begun to install the first BIG C chair on Johannisplatz. On October 13, 2025, they report Chemnitz city administration, the chair will celebrate its premiere and invite citizens to linger. This innovative street furniture is the start of a series of six further armchairs that will find their place in the city in the coming weeks.

The BIG C armchair, a charming creation by the Chemnitz artist Carsten Grundmann, is not only an eye-catcher due to its modern design. It also represents the idea of ​​sustainable urban design that puts the public at the center. The concept was developed by Chemnitz University of Technology under the leadership of architect Falko Hensel and a dedicated team from the city's building management and structural engineering department. The prototype of the new seating furniture was manufactured in the “Lightweight Construction in Construction” research area at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Innovative materials and sustainable production

A special feature of the BIG C chair is its base body, which is made of concrete reinforced with carbon grids. This not only ensures a long service life, but also maintenance-free use. The high-strength fine concrete used consists of CO₂-reduced cement, which gives the street furniture quality a sustainable twist. A special formwork system was developed to ensure this exposed concrete quality. The TU Chemnitz highlights that recyclable corrugated cardboard formwork is also used for the cost-effective production of the curved special component.

An additional eye-catcher will be the lettering “C the unseen”, which will be integrated into the concrete body during casting. The ergonomically shaped wooden slats that adorn the seats in the lower arch of the armchair not only promise comfort, but also round off the overall aesthetic picture. The price for one of these special BIG C armchairs is around 15,000 euros, which underlines its high-quality workmanship.

A contribution to urban development

Mayor Thomas Kütter is enthusiastic about the idea and emphasizes the harmonious integration of the armchair into the urban environment: "The BIG C armchair will not only be another piece of street furniture, but also a sign of our collaboration with regional partners and research. In this way, we combine modern design, local economic strength and sustainability in a single project." At least 20 of these impressive pieces of seating are planned for the Chemnitz cityscape in the future; the locations are currently still being examined.

The decision to integrate such cannon designs in the city fits perfectly with the Capital of Culture year 2025 and underlines Chemnitz’s ambitions in urban design. In the coming weeks, the population can look forward to a creative enrichment of their urban living space - the BIG C armchairs are ready to delight their audience!