Haathi Table

Brief:
When our office recently relocated, a conference table was needed for the new space. However, since the duration of our stay was uncertain, the table had to be easy to dismantle and move while still being visually striking and functional.

Task:
The challenge was to design a sculptural yet practical conference table that could be easily assembled and disassembled without compromising aesthetics or stability. Additionally, the table needed to align with the design language of our sister furniture company, Agape, whose logo is inspired by the elephant due to its cultural, ecological, and historical significance in India.

Response:
Drawing inspiration from the elephant’s form, I initially explored origami as a concept but realized that a single folded sheet would make disassembly difficult. Inspired by sculptural forms, I deconstructed the elephant—hence the name "Haathi" Table (Haathi means "elephant" in Hindi, directly linking to the inspiration). I developed a system where components could be slotted into each other, eliminating the need for permanent fixings. Each leg was designed using three interlocking laser-cut mild steel (MS) sheets, chosen for their structural stability. Since the tabletop—a single glass sheet for six people—could not rest directly on the metal, teakwood caps were crafted for each leg to complement the overall design language. The glass top was then placed over the legs, with its own weight ensuring stability.

Apart from the laser-cutting, the entire table was executed in our office workshop in collaboration with our fabricators and carpenters. This involved overseeing material sourcing, assembly, and finishing to ensure the final outcome matched the design vision.

Result:
The final design achieved a contemporary and abstract interpretation of an elephant while maintaining practicality. The table was easily transportable and could be dismantled without tools. It successfully met both functional and aesthetic goals, creating a visually striking yet highly adaptable centrepiece for the office.

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