Apiwat Chitapanya's Compound Table Set: A Fusion of Art and Function

Thai Designer's Award-Winning Creation Combines Brass and Wood in a Unique Geometric Design

The Compound Table Set is a contemporary coffee table made with brass, giving it a luxurious feel. The coffee table can be moved around and placed on the Compound side table to create a bigger coffee table. The use of a wooden top introduces a new texture and creates a contrasting dynamic to the brass, keeping the design intriguing for the users.

Chitapanya's inspiration for this design came from his desire to create a simplistic coffee table based on geometric shapes. The semi-circle designs were added to juxtapose the geometric shapes and to provide a practical solution for carrying smaller items. The result is a table set that is not only functional but also a piece of art that offers different viewpoints, similar to an art installation.

The Compound Table Set was manufactured at a brass casting company that has been in the business for over two decades. The brass frame surrounding the wooden top was done by casting, using the lost wax process. The legs were created by welding pieces of brass together until the desired shape was achieved. The top, a wooden bowl attached to a 15mm thick piece of wood, was made using a lathe machine.

The design and manufacturing process was not without its challenges. A real-sized mock-up of the tables was made before being manufactured into brass. The weight of the tables had to be carefully considered for practicality and appropriateness for moving. The casting process had to be closely monitored to prevent the brass from deforming and to ensure the weight did not exceed the design specifications.

The Compound Table Set started in October 2016 in Bangkok and was completed in April 2017. It was exhibited during Paris Design Week 2017 at Via Gallery. The design was well-received, leading to contacts from representatives from different design weeks from various countries. The Compound Table Set is a testament to Chitapanya's innovative design approach and the craftsmanship of Thai artists.