Humming Tree: A Fusion of Dining Table and Floor Vase

Bringing Nature to the Dining Experience

The Humming Tree draws inspiration from the Taro leaf, known for its distinct midrib and veins structure. Rajkumari was fascinated by the leaf's ability to collect water at its center spot and its clean blade. This inspired her to develop the leaf form into two distinct layers that overlap, creating a visually striking design. The center spot of the table is elongated and deepened, functioning as a floor vase for tall dry or fresh flowers, leaves, and tree branches.

What sets the Humming Tree apart is its fusion of a dining table and a floor vase. In today's fast-paced city life, contact with nature has become increasingly limited, leading to mental exhaustion and stress. The Humming Tree aims to address this by allowing diners to experience natural elements arranged in the vase as they dine. The see-through design, with the leaf structure split into two distinct components, becomes apparent when they overlap, creating a captivating visual effect.

The Humming Tree is made using polycarbonate and steel, ensuring durability and stability. Its overall dimensions are 1400mm x 950mm x 750mm, with a dining area of 1100mm x 950mm. The table's design is inspired by the Taro leaf, featuring leaf-inspired veins and blade elements. It is a cantilevered table with a unique see-through design, making it a statement piece in any dining space.

Not only is the Humming Tree visually stunning, but it also offers a unique dining experience. The arrangement of natural dry or fresh flowers, leaves, and branches in the center spot stimulates the senses of the diners, providing a larger-than-life experience compared to conventional vases placed on the table. This arrangement helps restore the mind and evoke positive thoughts, reducing mental fatigue and promoting well-being.

Rajkumari conducted extensive research on the benefits of experiencing nature and the structure of Taro leaves while developing the Humming Tree. By incorporating elements from nature into the dining experience, the design aims to create a connection between the urban environment and the natural world.

The Humming Tree, with its innovative design and focus on bringing nature into the dining experience, has received recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2015. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.