Planck Coffee Table by Kristof De Bock

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

KDB : The starting point was to create an unique coffee table. Different in form and materials, yet functional.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

KDB : The table had to be nice, but functional and easy to maintain as well.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

KDB : I would really like to keep creating, so it would be ideal to find a business partner who takes care about production and marketing.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

KDB : The design itself was just a matter of days. Once I had the idea, it went fast. But I spent a lot of time looking for the top finish and the ideal wheels.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

KDB : I would like to design each important piece of furniture at least once. My first objects were lights, then I did this table, now I’m working on a chair and I hope to come up with a sofa in the near future.

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?

KDB : I have to come back for a reply later. No decisions yet.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

KDB : Well, I always wanted to create a coffee table. So when it is constantly in the back of your head, sooner or later all dots connect.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

KDB : I guess that would be people that are interested in design and who appreciate the warmth of natural products.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

KDB : Correct me if I’m wrong, but I see a lot of new designs that look good but that are not functional. Like furniture has become art. This table is easy to maintain. It took quite some time to find the satin, protection I desired. The form and wheels make it functional; and it is unique in the way it is constructed. Plus we have implemented Da Vinci's golden ratio.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

KDB : My son came up with the name. At Dasein Products all creations have a time related name. Planck is a German scientist who have his name to Planck-time; the smallest time unit mainly used in science. We figured that it is a good name for a small table made of planks.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

KDB : The very sophisticated ballpoint.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

KDB : The way it is constructed?

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

KDB : No, I worked alone.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

KDB : The only technology used is during the production when all elements are cut by a CNC-cutter.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

KDB : Not at all.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

KDB : A table should be easy to clean with a wet towel. So finding the best top layer. And I wanted to keep the table low but movable. So finding the best wheels.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

KDB : I hear from people around me that the table looks nice. But still, you want to hear comments from professionals.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

KDB : I got surprised that plywood is so strong in the way it is used here.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

KDB : I would like to inform that the inside of the table is used for the production of our lamp named ‘Monday’. The waste of material is very limited.