The Droid: A Unique and Innovative Coffee Table Design

Reviving Pinball Art in a Functional and Stylish Way

Introducing The Droid, a one-of-a-kind coffee table design created by Péter Tarján and András Lacfi. Inspired by the love for pinball machines and the iconic Star Wars character R2D2, this unique piece of furniture combines art, technology, and functionality in a truly remarkable way.

What sets The Droid apart from other coffee tables is its exceptional design and features. Standing at a height of 53 cm (21 inches), with a length of 125 cm (49 inches) and a width of 71 cm (28 inches), this coffee table weighs 45 kgs (100 lbs). It is handcrafted using MDF and wood, with individually cut and polished outer accents painted with automotive-grade paint.

The Droid is not just a static piece of furniture; it is a fully interactive experience. It features six LED lighting programs, an animated robot, a hologram slide projection unit, rolling wheels, robot sounds, and an illuminated bottom with a projected logo. These elements come together to create a captivating and immersive atmosphere.

Creating The Droid presented its own set of challenges. With no scaled plan, the workshop had to rely on a sketch to bring this design to life. Every accent and part was meticulously hand-cut from wood and painted with automotive-grade polish. Some parts were converted from toys, while others were specifically built. The team at ALTAR, including Kriszta Szegedi, Péter Tarján, Ernö Balogh, and András Lacfi, pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship to surpass their own manufacturing standards.

The Droid is not just a coffee table; it is a work of art that pays homage to the pinball culture and the joy these machines bring. As the market shifts from arcades to private collections and game rooms, The Droid represents a new era of pinball-inspired furniture. Its unique blend of vintage aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout piece in any space.

ALTAR, the workshop behind The Droid, specializes in one-of-a-kind furniture inspired by pop culture. Their mission is to design and create wonderfully complicated, meticulously planned and crafted, often self-serving but always bold and fun products for those looking for something out of this world and completely off the wall. In addition to their unique creations, ALTAR also crafts commissioned and bespoke objects for office and commercial spaces.

The Droid has garnered recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2015. This prestigious award celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

With The Droid, Péter Tarján and András Lacfi have successfully merged art, design, and technology to create a coffee table that is not only functional but also a conversation starter. Its unique features and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout piece in any space, adding a touch of nostalgia and innovation to the room.