Another Picnic Table by Wouter Nieuwendijk and Jair Straschnow
August 19, 2011 - By Philip Kennedy - Category: Design & Furniture
I came across this smart little design the other day when browsing tumblr and I have to say it’s a rather splendid idea. Another Picnic Table came about as part of a collaboration between designers Wouter Nieuwendijk (on the left) and Jair Straschnow (on the right). Their simple new spin on the iconic picnic table seems like such a clever idea that it feels odd that no-one has ever thought about making one like this before.
Their variation has two very interesting changes on the traditional table. First, they’ve split the bench into separate seats so that they’re easier to access. This has also allowed them to offer a second option – where the bench can transform into a relaxed seat. This is something which Nieuwendijk believes is lacking within public spaces. “While there are numerous benches for public space” he says on his website, “easy chairs are never to be found in parks and leisure areas, where one would expect them most”. It’s a fair point, and Another Picnic Table really seems to work in adding enjoyable seating to the public space. I’d love to see some of these near the parks where I live. The table is part of a larger collection called Outdoor Grassworks which according to Straschnow, is designed to “refresh the way we use public space”. Take a look at more images from the collaboration here.
Philip
Comments
If you've got something to say, keep it positive.This is an excellent design. Thanks for sharing!
You’re posts are steadily becoming one of my favorite things about the blog.
Keep it up and more please.
I love the idea, but I’m wondering about structural integrity of the thing over time. I could see this in someone’s backyard, but in public an object like this might not last long without the extra support added from the classic solid bench design. Philip, you’d probably have a better idea than I about this that I… what do you think?
Hi Patrick, I think you do make a fair point and I think it would be great in a backyard or a beer garden or someplace like that. But that said, the table is made out of pressed bamboo which is apparently as strong as any hardwood – that’s why is looks slightly weaker then a normal picnic table. In terms or wear-and-tear, I can’t imagine it taking any more strain then that of your average wooden playground so I reckon it ‘could take it’. All we really need though, is to live in a culture that can appreciate and respect good design like this and we’d be fine. ;)
I guess I missed the bamboo material bit, but that makes a lot more sense. As I understand it, bamboo has a much denser structure than most wood, and is generally less prone to splintering and fracturing in high pressure areas. But yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head in your last sentence. If we lived in a culture that truly respected… ANYTHING as a whole, I can’t imagine the wondrous things we’d be able to have in public spaces!