Herculano was inspired by wooden items from ancient Herculaneum, Italy. The ancient; furniture, boats, and architectural elements were carbonized and preserved by hot mudflows that buried the city after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD. Like the furniture of Herculaneum, the Herculano coffee table has been charred to preserve and accentuate the wood. The top of the table has additionally been laser etched with an oval track, the oval track is referential to the Roman hippodromes. Finally, the wood is pigmented with aquamarine in reference to the Mediterranean Sea.

Professor Visser’s designs have been exhibited nationally including the Museum of Modern art, Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, and the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Additionally, his designs have been exhibited internationally, including; Japan, Italy, France, Finland, Taiwan, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, China, Korea, and the UK.

The Industrial Design program, at Purdue University, provides concepts and designs that both reflect history as well as forecast the future of society. Whether designing for global challenges, designs for industry or concepts that challenge the way people perceive objects. Purdue students and professors create dynamic designs for the real world.