Nikao: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Functionality

Pablo Vidiella's Award-Winning Side Table Design Inspired by Evolutionary Transformations

The Nikao side table, a winner of the prestigious Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2023, is a testament to Vidiella's innovative approach to design. The award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and Nikao certainly fits the bill. The table's circular and cylindrical geometries are transformed to adapt to its environment and function, resulting in a complex and organic object that retains its original essence.

What sets Nikao apart from other furniture pieces is its construction and manufacturing process, which combines technology and craftsmanship. High-quality Iroko solid wood planks are three-dimensionally machined using a 5-axis CNC milling router, following a 3D drawing. Once the pieces are machined, they are assembled by wood artisans, giving life to the final shape of the object.

But the Nikao side table is more than just a functional piece of furniture. It is designed to interact with the observer in a natural way. As Vidiella explains, the human eye is accustomed to curved lines and surfaces, which are prevalent in nature. The table's soft, natural forms provide a sense of tranquility, while the warmth of the material invites the user to come closer, touch it, and sit next to it.

The design process for Nikao began in February 2023 and concluded in March 2023 in Madrid. The project was inspired by nature and living forms, with the creative process involving the emulation of these natural processes through the use of natural materials. Vidiella used everyday materials like plasticine and paper, as well as tools like drawing and 3D software, to create and test prototypes of the table.

Despite the challenges of modeling and CNC cutting the wooden pieces with complex geometry, Vidiella succeeded in creating an organic, beautiful, and eye-catching piece of furniture. The Nikao side table is a testament to his innovative approach to design, blending natural forms with functional aesthetics to create a piece that is both visually stunning and practical.