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Vadr Coffee Table by Jaimie Ota

Vadr Coffee Table by Jaimie Ota is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 A' Design Award in Furniture Design Competition Category.


IronFurniture· 2020

Vadr Coffee Table

by Jaimie Ota

Client: Jaimie Ota

A' Design Award Winner in Furniture Category

29,340

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #104649

Colors

The Design

About Vadr Coffee Table

Vadr is a simple and sophisticated coffee table that adds character to its environment. It is a statement piece that works well in small areas. The most notable feature is the line of bars across the front of the table which were influenced by piano keys. This can be used as a bookshelf or a subtle, concealable storage space. It uses strong linear angles to create an interest to the viewer. The legs and tabletop are unique and individualistic. The legs are specifically positioned to provide ensured stability. It also has a side profile that invokes forward thinking.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award

Vadr Coffee Table is an Iron A' Design Award winner, a prestigious recognition granted to good designs that meet the professional and industrial requirements expected from well-designed creations. Iron winners demonstrate great skill, high specialization, expert understanding, and creative capacity of their creators. Vadr Coffee Table is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished creation that is practical and innovative. This Iron A' Design Award-winning design integrates industry best practices and has competent technical characteristics linked with know-how and talent. Vadr Coffee Table is respected for its thoroughness and is designed to provide quality of life improvements that help make the world a better place.

Interviews

Design Interview

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

I created the table thinking of how I could challenge its traditional construction. When we initially think of a table we see a flat tabletop with four legs. This is the basic form of how we imagine its support. Instead of supporting it at its corners, why don’t we play with placement and shape. I also thought of my interaction with tables as well. I thought of times that I would stub my toes against the corners. This played a huge role in the unique features of Vadr.

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

My main focus was to create a functional piece of art. I wanted the design to be aesthetically pleasing, a conversation starter and useful. I wanted to achieve a sensible design that had some quirk, but was not too flashy for a more conservative user.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

I would like to put the design into production. I have received feedback on the design and it seems to be received well.

Read the Full Interview

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Vadr is a simple and modern styled table that is appealing from every viewing angle. The most significant feature is the line of bars across the front of the table. This can be used as a bookshelf or a subtle, concealable storage space. The legs and tabletop make it unique and individualistic. The legs are specifically positioned to provide ensured stability.
Dimensions & Packaging
Weight: 1214 mm x Depth: 610 mm x Height: 457 mm
Tags
Vadr, Coffee Table, Table, Wooden Table, Plywood, Unique Table
Production Technology
The concept was created initially with a sketch. It was then made into a sketch model to view its proportions and test its stability. The model gave promising information to implement the idea into a full size table. I used a CAD program to lay out the changed measurements to make the full-scale. The coffee table is made of plywood and held together with wooden dowel and wood glue. The table was then stained and treated.
Design Challenge
The most challenging part of the design activity was piecing it together in a way where there was minimal to no visual connection. Cutting the pieces was simple, but I had to make sure the pieces were not bode or else structurally it may be compromised. The table is made up of many pieces, but the joinery is hidden. Another issue was making sure the legs provided the necessary stability. I tested the the legs to make sure the placement was effective despite its arrangement and minimal number.
Research
When designing the product, I had to be mindful of the materials and how it's worked with. I looked at how wood, especially plywood, could be treated. The stains available were limited to a particular color range. Wood can also be painted too. The material is sturdy because it is created with layers. Making sure the pieces connected securely was an advantage with this type of wood supply.
Inspiration
Vadr was inspired by Mid-Century Modern design. I wanted to create a table that would be good for small spaces. The design objective was to use plywood. It was influenced by the profile of a piano. It uses strong linear angles to create an interest to the viewer. The line of bars across the table are meant to resemble piano keys. It also has a side profile that invokes forward thinking.
Project Duration
The concept was designed and completed in Los Angeles, CA.
Operation Flow
Vadr is a functional table that adds character to its environment. It has unique features, angles and structure that are defining and purposeful. It is a statement piece that works well in small areas. The storage unit underneath the tabletop is open on both sides to provide easy access. There is a line of bars laid out diagonally to provide light coverage to what is stored under it. The bars can also hold coffee table books or magazines. In front of the bars is a little shelf for extra table top usage.
Image Credits
Image #1 Jaimie Ota
Image #2 Jaimie Ota
Image #3 Jaimie Ota
Image #4 Jaimie Ota
Image #5 Jaimie Ota

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