Just like the object that the Fan Table was named after, it unfolds to expand into a larger surface that sports similar pleats. Granted, the Fan Table is too large to use as an actual fan. Instead, it simply resembles one. The true beauty of the Fan Table is that is does not look like it can convert into any other shape other than its original rectangular one.
The Fan Table was designed by Mauricio Affonso. It explores the idea of tables as an infrastructure for social interaction. Made up of 400 slats, the Fan Table can take on any shape, not just that of a circle. It was recently exhibited at Royal College of Art's PARADISE exhibition during the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Venture Lambrate, Milan 2012.
Unfolding Circular Furniture
The Fan Table by Mauricio Affonso Explores Social Interaction
Trend Themes
1. Circular Furniture - Exploring the concept of expandable, circular furniture pieces for social interaction presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the furniture industry.
2. Flexible Design - Investing in the concept of furniture design that can be easily manipulated or changed presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation, particularly in the realm of home and office furniture design.
3. Modular Furniture - Creating modular furniture designs that can transform to accommodate different spaces and situations presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the furniture industry.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture - The furniture industry can take advantage of the opportunity to explore circular, flexible, and modular furniture design for increased social interaction and flexibility in use.
2. Interior Design - Circular, flexible, and modular furniture designs present an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the interior design industry by catering to more adaptable and open living spaces.
3. Events and Hospitality - Investing in circular, flexible, and modular furniture designs present an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the events and hospitality industry by providing solutions for adaptable event spaces.