DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: The main idea was to design a table based on the morphology of an Octopus. In choosing this inspiration, I wanted to design a table with a clear personality, beyond the normal round or rectangular table concept.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: The main focus in designing this table was to evolve from the abstract concept (table based on the morphology of an octopus) to having the basic design concept (how to transform the morphology into a table) and into the final outline of the table (by optimising the proportions to have a elegant and balanced design).
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: My plan is to manufacture the table in 3 different sizes: large dining table (diameter 140 cm, height 76 cm), small dining table (diameter 105 cm, height 76 cm), coffee table (diameter 70 cm, height 38 cm).
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: It took roughly 6 month to realise this design.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: I decided to develop this design for my company ArteNemus when the initial ideal arose.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: The design is being produced with a manufacturing partner.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: The target customer a demanding person looking for a table with a design concept out of the ordinary, made with exceptional materials and manufactured to the highest craftsmanship standards.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
: The name is a combination of the name "octopus" and "utopia".
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: The most unique aspect of the design is the central body from which arms and feet emerge.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
: The basic material from which Octopia is made is wood. Locally, carbon fiber is used as a reinforcement.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: Given the thinness and shape of the legs and arms, particular attention was geared towards their stability as well as the connection to the central body.