DESIGN NAME: Pende Series
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Multifunctional Table
INSPIRATION: Our goal was to make improvements to the standard criss-cross table leg form. Such frames typically have 3 or 4 oversized legs connected via inelegant, wasteful, strength removing, angled joints. We were determined to find a better way. We explored geometry and physics. We desired strength and rigidity without added weight or mass. Our solution exceeded expectations. Not only limited to tables or 5 legs. Any leg number is possible and the design applications are numerous.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Pende utilises physics to produce a unique table series. Minimal components interconnect to provide incredible rigidity. Clean uncluttered lines belie the complex interplay of a polygon bracket, straight legs and structural top. Self tightening without adhesives. Very light and flat packable. A connectable wooden bracket allows a globe to be fitted underneath thus producing a feature lamp. The design can be adapted to varying leg numbers and different structures, eg: stools, coat stands.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Each Pende table is very easily assembled. Although the process is intuitive, it will nevertheless result in a much deeper appreciation of the design. The obvious research into the various forces and angles at play will become very evident when one examines the interplay between the legs, polygon bracket and top. The deceptively simple manner in which the Pende can be turned into a beautiful, freestanding lamp, all without tools, will further enhance the users affinity with this resolved design.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: A self driven project by PodMarket. We were determined to find a better way to create an eye catching, structural, criss-cross form, which did not use complicated joinery, large section material or heavy welding. Initial development began in early 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. The resolved design and prototypes were completed in early 2017, in Melbourne. Display: PodMarket showroom, Melbourne. Interest by the German Design Council and certain manufacturers in Munich.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Pende series is perfectly suited to batch production. Totally flat packable. Materials: Legs: solid wood; Top: glass, wood or veneer board; Polygon bracket: stainless steel (welded) or chrome plated (cast) brass; Connectors: stainless steel. The patent pending bracket is the only form of fixing the solid legs require. The entire under-frame is self-tightening, self-supporting and very strong. No adhesive or any requirement for potentially complicated compound-angle jointing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Pende Dining (square) 1100 x 1100 x 760mm / (round) 1100 Diameter x 760mm.
Pende Low (square) 800 x 800 x 390mm / (round) 800 Diameter x 390mm.
Pende Side (square) 450 x 450 x 610mm / (round) 450 Diameter x 610mm.
Note: all sizes available with integrated light (optional).
TAGS: table design, geometric, minimalist, contemporary design, lightweight, table lamp, multifunctional, coat stand
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: We analysed forces attributable to furniture and examined how they are absorbed, via physical testing, prototyping, computer modelling and discussion with engineers. We researched how structures disperse loads and noted that minimalist angular frames were consequently found in places where the forces too were minimal. Bigger tables always compensated by utilising heavy joinery techniques and sections. Geometry and engineering allowed us to utilise much smaller sections with minimal materials.
CHALLENGE: The most challenging aspect was overcoming stubborn, non-suggestive feedback from experts when a particular proposal didn't work. "There's nothing else you can really do" or "I told you that wouldn't work" was typically heard from during development. Managing different specialist knowledge was also difficult as one improvement in one aspect would often result in a negative production requirement later on. Really listening and absorbing the key issues was paramount in developing solutions.
ADDED DATE: 2018-02-27 09:02:47
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Harry Strouzas and Fiona McKenzie
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Finlay Coulter, Pende side tables, 2017.
Image #2: Photographer Finlay Coulter, Pende pentagon bracket, 2017.
Image #3: Photographer Finlay Coulter, Pende table lamp, 2017.
Image #4: Photographer Finlay Coulter, Pende dining table, 2017.
Image #5: Photographer Finlay Coulter, Pende low table, 2017.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Pende Patent Pending, Australia, Dec 2017
Application No: upon request.
Design Registration, Australia, July 2017.
Frame Assembly Registration No: 201710042
Bracket Registration No: 201710055
Design Patent Application, USA, July 2017.
5 Point Stand Application No: 29 609 619
Bracket Application No: 29 609 623
Design Registration, China, July 2017.
Frame Assembly Registration No: 2017302887300
Bracket Registration No: 2017302891128
Design Registration, EU, June 2017.
Support Structure Registration No: 004062511 839096
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