Fs418 Papa Kākau

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This desk boasts a monolithic, minimalist design akin to a solid marble block. It uniquely conceals storage space for writing tools and paperwork, as well as sockets for charging electronic devices like mobile phones or laptops within its body. The retractable writing surface keeps essentials accessible yet hidden, ensuring a tidy, clutter-free workspace. This design maintains the desk's pure, clean aesthetic, free from visible cables and everyday office mess, even during regular use.

Dimensions & Packaging

The table dimensions are 2400 mm in width, 1000 mm in depth, and 750 mm in height. The table has a triangular shape, providing spacious interior storage. The outer edges of the table measure 20 mm, while the thickest part is 280 mm.

Tags

Forest Walk, abstract design, marble desk, custom furniture, interior design, functional art, Carrara marble, handcrafted furniture, executive desk, luxury office furniture

Production Technology

The table is crafted from marble selected personally from a quarry in Carrara. It features a lightweight construction using 2cm marble slabs with a honed surface, all assembled by hand. The interior is made of hand-selected solid ash wood, finished with black lacquer. The table includes technical features such as HDMI, RJ45, and two power sockets. The design is custom-made in terms of size, features, and materials to suit the specific project requirements.

Design Challenge

The hardest part was maintaining the vision of a forest walk experience through various spatial impressions abstract and non-specific enough to leave room for imagination. This allows viewers and users to anticipate these natural spaces genuinely. The focus was on exploring the concept of "space" itself. Balancing the abstract representation while ensuring functional design required overcoming creative and technical obstacles, such as material limitations and production capabilities.

Research

The research for this project was qualitative, aiming to find a marble pattern that fits the "Forest Walk" theme. The objective was to identify a marbling that mimics the look through forest branches. Methodology included extensive visual analysis and material sampling. Data collection involved visiting multiple quarries in Carrara, with the primary tools being visual inspection and photography. Participants included the client and the artist. Results showed that the selected marble met aesthetic and functional criteria, satisfying both stakeholders. Insights revealed the importance of material authenticity in enhancing thematic design. This research impacted the final work by ensuring a seamless integration of natural aesthetics into functional design, influencing both business outcomes and design standards.

Inspiration

My vision was to depict the user's life, highlighting the everyday work process and making it conscious. I aimed to focus on the actual goal of working. Typically, electronic devices with their cables, along with pens and papers, ... demand visual attention and cause distractions. I aimed to create a space where one can dive into creativity without interruption, yet without compromising the functionality of a workspace. Everything should be readily available but discreet. Undisturbed working.

Project Duration

The search for the perfect marble for this project was the most time-consuming part. The goal was to find a marbling pattern that, fitting the theme, resembled a view through the branches of a forest canopy. The extensive search paid off, and both the client and the artist were very satisfied with the final result, "Forest Walk." The total duration, including planning and consultation, was one year.

Operation Flow

The table functions like a regular desk. While seated, the user can pull the tabletop towards themselves to reveal the storage space and the built-in sockets. This allows for easy charging of devices like laptops or iPhones. The tabletop can then be fully closed, with only the necessary amount of cable visible thanks to the integrated cable management system. Excess cables remain hidden inside the table.

Additionally, containers lined with fine aniline leather can be removed from the table. These include document trays, pen holders, and storage compartments for office supplies such as staplers, paper clips, and hole punches.

Patents

Felix Schwake

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer / Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer / Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer / Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer / Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer / Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.
Video Credits: Creator (Designer) Felix Schwake, Forest Walk Desk, 2024.

All rights are reserved by Felix Schwake.