Product news: these tables based on a circus ringmaster's podium were designed by German office Formfjord for Swedish brand Offecct.
Referencing the zig-zagging patterns found on the traditional stands used by circus leaders, the circular platforms are supported by Y-shaped metal elements that angle inwards at each joint. These elements all connect to a metal ring that forms the base.
The tables are finished in black or white laquer and the range includes various heights and diameters, plus a plant pot stand. The collection was presented at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan earlier this year.
Other new products designed for Offecct include seats with curvy backrests by UNStudio and chunky grey seating by Jean-Marie Massaud, both also presented in Milan.
Formfjord have also made concrete pebbles for stone-skipping across water.
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Formfjord is cooperating with Offecct for the first time, and the first resulting product is the table Circus. The main idea when Formfjord developed Circus was to think not only of the product they were developing, but also the whole living space where life happens. Formfjord wanted to see the whole living space as an arena, a circus.
"The table defines the room and sets the atmosphere – it even changes the behavior of the room. Creating a playful design for the table makes the living room a wonderful place," says Formjord, the duo behind the table.
Fabian Baumann and Sönke Hoof of Formfjord come from different backgrounds; Baumann is a mechanical engineer and Hoof a product designer. When creating their designs, the duo uses their different perspectives to enhance the creative process and develop products that functions well – technologically and ecologically, ergonomically and emotionally, strategically and economically.
"To us it is important that our partners stand for good values. Today everyone considers themselves green in their way of working, but Offecct truly is in all aspects," Formfjord continues.
"We always search for companies that can bring out good cooperation, and that is not always easy, but has turned out to be true with Offecct," Formfjord concludes.