Dichroic: A Reflective Side Table that Redefines Space and Light

Exploring the Relationship Between Lighting, Color, Location, and Reflection

Lauren Rottet, the renowned designer behind the Rottet Collection, has always been fascinated by the way reflective materials can infuse life and kinetic energy into an interior environment. With Dichroic, she takes this concept to new heights, creating a side table that is anything but static or dull. The reflections in the dichroic glass are like ever-changing kinetic art installations, influenced by factors such as the viewer's attire, the time of day, and the type of light. Each experience with the piece becomes a unique and captivating moment.

Dichroic stands out from other designs with its innovative use of one of the oldest materials - glass. The table features sheets of glass with micro-layers of metal oxide that refract light, creating a mesmerizing display of multiple hues. Its structural and minimal profile is complemented by a stainless steel frame, although a bronze option is also available. The dichroic glass itself is composed of a laminate with a layer of clear glass and a layer of dichroic glass, resulting in a surface that is as durable as it is visually striking.

Creating Dichroic presented its fair share of challenges. Originally intended to be a luxurious and functional side table for hospitality and corporate spaces, the design evolved into a functional sculpture through experimentation. The initial glass structure with a metal base was replaced with a stainless steel L structure for enhanced durability. To contrast the polished finish of the stainless steel, Rottet sought a glass laminate that would distort the world around it. The answer came in the form of dichroic glass, a material she had previously worked with in the architectural world due to its whimsical nature and ability to reflect and absorb light.

The realization of Dichroic involved cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship. Glass-to-metal connections were secured using advanced techniques that ensure a strong and lasting hold. The optic nature of the dichroic glass is achieved through the vaporization of ultra-thin layers of different metals, such as gold or silver, and oxides of metals like titanium, chromium, and aluminum. This process takes place in an advanced vacuum chamber, where an electron beam vaporizes the metals, causing them to condense on the glass surface in a crystal structure that is fully integrated and as durable as the glass itself.

Dichroic made its debut during the NeoCon trade show in June 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Since then, it has garnered attention and accolades for its innovative design and captivating presence. In 2018, Dichroic was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The table's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its ability to provide fulfillment and positive feelings contribute to a better world.

With Dichroic, Lauren Rottet has once again pushed the boundaries of design, creating a side table that not only serves a functional purpose but also invites users to explore reality through its ever-changing reflections. It is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and elevate the human experience.