Abacus

Basic information

Project Title

Abacus

Project Description

Abacus is a table composed of a powder-coated steel structure and natural or burnt solid oak tops. Abacus pushes conventions aside. The table tops glide and move freely along the structure without any constraints, leaving the user free to choose the layout. As the plates disappear, the structure reveals itself and becomes a graphic element that takes shape in space. From a dinner for two, to a family meal, the table is composed and broken down in a playful way.

Geographical Scope

Cross-border/international

Project Region

CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: France

Urban or rural issues

It addresses urban-rural linkages

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

Key objectives for sustainability

We all have a table at home, but are we always 6 or 8 around this massive object? Why this object will not adapt to our daily needs? This is the purpose of the Abacus table. By moving, removing, one or the other trays, we make this object evolve with our daily needs.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The table becomes a living element of the house, from a dinner for two to a family reunion, the table will respond to its users by adjusting their needs.

Key objectives for inclusion

The table becomes an interactive element, with which we are confronted. Its user plays with the object to give it back its real function.

Results in relation to category

In general, the object questions. People wonder about the use, and this new perspective that I bring them.

How Citizens benefit

The table becomes a playful element of the house, reducing its imposing visual impact, until it becomes a sculptural object.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Innovative character

If we analyze the current design market, we will find objects that meet practical, even pragmatic needs.
I am deeply convinced that we are beings, having more necessities than simply drinking, eating, and sleeping.
So why couldn't the object bring an answer?

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

It is a unique creative process, and a desire to make objects with a real impact, and conveying a story behind! I have a classical training in industrial design, allowing me to have a pragmatic approach, while detaching myself from the constraints of mass production in order to bring the necessary narration to the object.

Methodology used

The method is simple, I am fascinated by the "doing". I love visiting artisans' workshops and discovering knowledge, appropriating it, mixing it up, and creating anew.

How stakeholders are engaged

This is a project made during the pandemic, a simple drawing to return to the essence of our domestic needs. I made the first prototype by hand, in my workshop located in Zaventem, on the outskirts of Brussels. In the same periphery where I bought my steel and my wood. After several tests, the product is now to be put on the market. A helping hand from you would increase its visibility and its distribution significantly.