The up]side[down table "arche-typal San Paulo", which was produced during our residence in San Paulo, is made of handcrafted Amazonian woods and acrylic. As the name suggests, some elements can be turned the other way round or up, or inside out.
The table top stands proudly on two table legs similar to plinths or pillars evoking the image of an altar. Roughly 400 years ago rustic two-legged dining tables were typically narrow long and used by monks who ate tightly squeezed in a row. During the centuries there were many variations of these monks dining tables. This up]side[down table has a pyramidal trunk - typical of the 18th century - a chunky version of the Louis XVI style.
The table on first sight gives an impression of rigidity and seriousness, however under closer inspection it is clearly playful. The alternated transparencies in between of colorful wood reflect and lighten the whole structure. The ancient pyramidal form inspired by the step construction of the pillars led to the insertion of images dedicated to ancient forms in architecture.
In San Paulo we discovered modern architectural constructions coming from ancient lost cultures in the Ibirapuera park – the park is a city's symbol itself - which we reveal in three pictures on the table top: The indigenous form of the Oca Pavilion which's name and shape resembles the traditional Native American dwelling, then the Auditorium which's architecture is made of a trapezoid and, in section, of a triangle reminding ancient pyramidal constructions and finally the Obelisk having origins in the ancient Egyptian culture.
Two of the three transparent boxes through which the pictures can be observed are reversible. By turning them around they become a receptacles - able to contain objects of everyday life. Switching them around again the "openings" level off the surface of the tabletop.
Used materials: handcrafted Amazonian woods (Jequitiba, Muirapiranga, Cedro, Muiracatiara, Freijo, Sucupira), acrylic, 3 lambda prints, Japanese handmade paper
Dimensions: cm L 130 x D 44 x H 79 | unique edition: 10 + 1 a.p.
Design: Andrea Zambelli | Post-concept & Prints: Nat Wilms