Exchange: A Dining Table Designed for Interaction

Promoting Conversation and Communal Meals

Designed with the intention of fostering conversation, Exchange draws inspiration from the way people communicate through body language and posture. Svoboda recognized the decline of communal dining within American households and sought to create a design that would encourage longer and more engaging meals.

The unique feature of Exchange lies in its strategically placed cutouts, which allow users to sit closer to one another. This design choice not only promotes conversation but also facilitates the passing of food from the middle of the table, further enhancing the communal dining experience.

The table top of Exchange is crafted from solid dark walnut, utilizing 8/4" and 4/4" thicknesses. The fabrication process involves the use of a 5-axis CNC machine, ensuring precision and quality. The legs of the table are also made from solid dark walnut, turned on a lathe. Additionally, aluminum tubing is used to create certain components of the table, which are turned on a metal lathe.

With a diameter of 1371.6mm and a height of 774.7mm, Exchange is designed to accommodate multiple users comfortably. Its sleek and elegant design makes it a versatile addition to any dining space, blending seamlessly with various interior styles.

During the development of Exchange, Svoboda conducted extensive research on behavior issues that could be addressed through furniture design. He discovered that communal dining was on the decline and that extending communal meals could lead to numerous benefits, including smarter children, better social skills, and healthier eating habits.

One of the challenges Svoboda faced was finding a way to promote conversation without being too direct. He wanted to avoid forcing people into interaction, as he believed that such an approach would be met with resistance. The cutouts in the table serve as subtle invitations for users to come closer and engage with one another.

Exchange was completed by Tanner Svoboda during a 10-week project at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2014. The design has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Silver A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2015. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

Exchange is not just a dining table; it is a catalyst for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. With its thoughtful design and focus on promoting interaction, this table brings people together and enhances the joy of communal meals.