Austrian design studio Mischer'Traxler's Isochrone table is built through a time intensive process, although it isn't a labor intensive one. The tabletop, which comprises several colored strata, get its concave crater by being grated with a swinging pendulum constantly over the course of an entire week.
The Isochrone table was created as part of the Schloss Hollenegg Design residency, which takes place in an 850 year old castle of the same name outside of Graz, Austria. This year's theme for the residency was "slow," which prompted the designers at Mischer-Traxler to invent their persistent process. Each Isochrone tabletop has seven differently colored layers, representing the seven families who have inhabited the castle.
Mischer'Traxler used medium density fiberboard to create each stratum of the tabletop. This material consists of pressed together sawdust, paper pulp, glue, and pigments.
Pendulum-Carved Tabletops
The Isochrone Table's Divot is Formed Over an Entire Week
Trend Themes
1. Time-intensive Processes - There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation by creating time-intensive processes that result in unique and visually striking products.
2. Slow Design - The concept of slow design can be explored by incorporating time-consuming techniques that add value and meaning to products.
3. Layered Designs - Layering different materials or colors can create visually dynamic and intriguing products, offering opportunities for innovation.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - In the furniture manufacturing industry, innovative processes can be developed to create visually captivating pieces with time-intensive techniques.
2. Interior Design - Interior designers can incorporate slow design principles by selecting products that are crafted using time-consuming methods, adding depth and character to spaces.
3. Artisan Craftsmanship - Artisans and craftspeople can embrace layered designs and time-intensive processes to create unique and captivating handmade products.