Lido Expandable Table

In both Korean and Japanese cultures, when family or friends gather for a meal, people often sit on the floor around a low table placed in the center of the living room. While this creates a warm and intimate dining atmosphere, such low tables take up considerable space when not in use. As a result, people tend to rely on multiple small tables or foldable units that require separate storage, which can be both inconvenient and space-consuming.This led me to imagine a table that could remain compact and useful as a storage bench or tea table in daily life, yet easily transform into a spacious floor-level dining table when needed.

In design, materials such as wood are essential, but the spaces between them—the negative spaces—are equally important. By intentionally creating gaps between the structural panels, each element retains its visual independence. Functionally, these openings allow air to circulate and light to enter the storage compartment, preventing moisture buildup.Thus, the negative space contributes both to a refined aesthetic and to a healthier, more practical storage environment.

Traditional folding tables often require users to engage locking mechanisms every time they open or close the table—a cumbersome process that causes many people to leave the table permanently folded or unfolded.I wanted a mechanism that would allow the tabletop to open simply by lifting it, and fold back down just as easily—something intuitive and effortless. However, the simpler the operation, the greater the risk of accidents caused by small user mistakes, so ensuring safety became the most critical challenge.Through repeated refinement, I developed a joint system that balances ease of use with structural stability, enabling smooth operation while maintaining a safe and secure structure.