Building the Bale Bench

The top of the bench is undulating...this was created by a layer of cob (mud and straw) applied on top of the bales.
The bales sit on a pair of small concrete stem walls, front and back, with gravel in between. Should the bales begin to rot, they will compost into the ground below.
The top bale, forming the backrest is being installed on top of the cob.
Some portions of the benches have seats on both sides, some on only a single side. The area had to be protected from the curious at night--and during the day. Commuters were able to watch the progress of the work--and offer their comments.
After the bales were placed, the entire bench was covered in a rebar grid.
Rebar was held off the bales with concrete dobies.
The rebar grid was covered with stucco netting to carry the gunnite.
Many hours, days, weeks were taken in tying rebar and mesh.
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