Cilindro: A Revolutionary Desk Design by Miguel Arruda

Winner of the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2020

The Cilindro is not just a desk; it's a testament to the power of design and innovation. The cylindrical shape, inspired by the column, is a constant in architectural imagery, both ancient and contemporary. The intention to create a shape that moves with minimal friction in the internal space led to the choice of this cylindrical form. The absence of sharp edges allows a great capacity for adaptation to any space, whether in use or not.

What sets the Cilindro apart is its dual functionality. The cylinder serves as a container, and due to its articulation into two semi-circles, one half can function as a container while the other, by lifting the plane that closes it, becomes a horizontal working surface. This surface has a telescopic tubular leg on its rear face which, after a slight pressure, rotates to allow the horizontal position of the work surface through its verticality.

The Cilindro is made of curved MDF panels coated with a laminated surface on both sides, shaped via a mold. The shelves and folding top are made of 19mm melamine, with 2 mm thick anti-shock PVC tops. The telescopic folding leg, which allows the correct positioning of the work surface, is made up of 50 mm diameter steel, coated with electrostatic Epoxy Polyester powder polymerized paint with a thickness of 90mm. At the bottom of the two semi-cylinders, there are two foldable surfaces in 0.8mm steel allowing access to cable storage.

The design specifications of the Cilindro reveal a strong environmental concern. With a diameter of 500mm and a height of 890mm, the folding top has a dimension of 620 x 447 and is fixed at 720mm high by means of its telescopic leg. The total weight of the cylinder is 30.5 kg. The materials used are 60 percent recycled, and the wood material is 70 percent recycled. The paint has zero VOC emissions, is solvent-free, and the packaging is 100 percent recyclable.

The Cilindro was born out of a growing need to respond to the phenomenon of home working. The mobility and physical characteristics of this cylindrical shape allow easy handling through the internal spaces while allowing it a multifunctionality as a complement to work areas, or even constituting a fixed work point. The project started its development in January 2019 in Oia, Portugal and was completed in September 2019.

Overcoming the challenges of producing the semi-cylinders in MDF coated with laminate inside and outside, both in terms of costs, physical resistance, and final weight of the piece, was a significant achievement. The articulation of the two semi-cylinders, as well as the folding work surface in 2 mm thick anti-shock PVC, held horizontally by a telescopic foldable leg in 50 mm diameter steel tube, was another hurdle overcome. The six wheels, applied to the two semi-cylinders, complete the mobility that this cylinder must have to be able to move in space or be fixed in a certain position.

In conclusion, the Cilindro by Miguel Arruda is a testament to the power of design and innovation. It's not just a desk; it's a workspace solution that caters to the needs of the modern world. The design's dual functionality, environmental consciousness, and adaptability make it a deserving winner of the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2020.