What kind of space can a low floor table offer? How does it connect the sitter to the sky?
The sky symbolizes a realm of aspiration and serves as a reminder that the places we long for are always within reach. This table embodies the experience of gazing upward, drawing connections between ourselves and the vast expanse of the sky. By grounding the sitter, it recontextualizes our perception of distance, positioning us within the spatial relationship between the earth and the skies. Placed low to the floor, this table makes the dynamic more tangible, emphasizing the expanse above while anchoring the sitter in a moment of warmth, belonging, and shared experience.
Building the Table
Building the table began with selecting the hardwood, for which I chose Sapele—a rich, dark wood that develops a deep reddish-brown hue when finished. The construction process included milling the wood, cutting the circular edge and pattern with a handheld CNC router, crafting the stained glass inlay, and meticulously sanding and finishing the piece.
The cutouts are designed to hold stained glass or other inlays, allowing for customization based on the user’s preferences or needs. The table is also fully functional without the inlays, allowing light to pass through the cutouts and casting its pattern.
A Room for the Table
To put this table in context, I placed it in an imagined space that interweaves elements of Korean and Arab aesthetics, united through the table as a central feature. Positioned on an elevated platform, the table engages with the surrounding environment through a wood framed window, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. This placement creates a dialogue with nature, emphasizing harmony and cultural convergence within the spatial composition.
