Chiglia: A Tribute to Marine Activity

Giuliano Ricciardi's Award-Winning Table Design Inspired by Boat Skeletons

Chiglia's unique design is a tribute to the shipbuilding industry of Taranto. The table's structure, consisting of nine vertebrae that support a glass top, is reminiscent of a boat's keel. The vertebrae connect to a central beam through a swallow-tailed structure, which is set upon stands that recall those used in shipyards for boat restoration. This design allows for customization by changing the length of the beam and the number of vertebrae. Notably, the design employs appropriate embeddings without the use of metal pins, further emphasizing the connection to traditional shipbuilding techniques.

The table is crafted from solid oak using common woodworking machines, with a tempered glass top, adding a touch of modernity to the traditional design. The dimensions of the table are 2250 x 1000 x 740, but the modular design allows for easy adjustment to fit different environments.

Ricciardi's design is not just a functional piece of furniture, but an emotional sculpture. It serves as a memory of the shipbuilding industry, appearing as a wreck beneath the water's surface. The design's strength lies in its simplicity and solidity, as well as its lightness and linearity.

The project, which started in May 2012 in Taranto, Italy, was completed with a full-scale prototype in June 2012. The design process involved a research phase focused on the rediscovery of traditional crafts, such as shipwrights and sailors, and the impact of the industry on Ricciardi's native land. The main challenge was to find useful forms that could adapt the length of the table by simply replacing the central element and increasing the number of vertebrae.

Chiglia is a testament to Ricciardi's innovative design approach, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. The table's unique design and the story it tells earned it the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2019, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.