Saltatur: A Dance of Forces in Furniture Design

Award-Winning Furniture Piece by Masoud Akbarzadeh Inspired by Gaudi and Greco-Roman Wrestling

Derived from the Latin word for 'dancer', Saltatur is a long-span table that embodies a unique balance of tension and compression forces in 3D space. The structural form of this furniture piece was inspired by the Greco-Roman wrestling technique, Salto, and the architectural works of Gaudi. The design team, led by Masoud Akbarzadeh, has successfully extended Gaudi's designs and other conventional funicular forms into a three-dimensional compression and tension combined system of forces.

What sets Saltatur apart is its innovative research in the design and fabrication of a prefab, discrete, spatial composite structure. It consists of a spatial, compression-only concrete body, post-tensioning steel rods, and an ultra-thin glass structure on its top. The use of discrete spatial systems minimizes the volume of concrete and the carbon footprint, while preserving the necessary mass for structural performance and specific architectural detailing.

The realization of Saltatur involved multiple design innovations, from conceptual structural design to fabrication. The structural form of the project was developed using 3D/polyhedral graphic statics, which allowed for precise control over the magnitude of the horizontal forces in the system. As a result, the entire concrete body of the structure is held in compression by the tension ties at the top and bottom of the structure, with no horizontal reactions at the supports.

Despite the challenges in the concrete casting of complex 3D nodes and the development of details that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, the design team was able to create a piece of furniture that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The ultra-thin glass structure on the top was formed into a funicular geometry as a three-hinged discrete arch spanning 3.75 meters, adding to the overall elegance of the design.

The Saltatur is a testament to the power of design in transforming everyday objects into works of art. It is an ensemble of form, function, and aesthetics, inspired by the ground-breaking works of Gaudi. The furniture extends Gaudi's designs and other conventional funicular forms, by exhibiting a unique balance of tension and compression forces in 3D space. The structure shows how to minimize the volume of construction materials and reduce the carbon footprint of a structure while preserving the necessary mass for structural performance.

The Saltatur was awarded Silver in A' Furniture Design Award in 2020, a prestigious recognition rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.