TIX TABLE is a tool I designed for the DESIGN COMPETITION “SHARING” – Regione Lombardia.
The project was selected and a prototype was made.
The whole project works with fitted joints and requires no glue or screws and it can be used both indoors and outdoors: its easy design, small size, and portability, make the TIX TABLE perfect to take on the road for a day trip.
“Tix” is meant to be an onomatopoeic term, which indicates the distinctive sound the table makes when its components are fixed together.
Its support structure consists of two identical multilayer panels, which have some cuts to allow the junction between them. The square section holes grid is designed to both lighten the table’s weight and to be used as a “blackboard” for the attached dowels. The support panels cross each other to create an “X” and stand on a supportive base, which facilitates clamping and provides more stability.
The four seats are made up of three elements made of lacquered multilayer wood, which are assembled by means of anchoring. Their position is adjustable. Two vertical elements always in lacquered wood connect the frame of support to the axis that acts as a table, by means of anchoring.
The stability of the table is ensured by an horizontal element, plugged into the two vertical elements just below the table top.
TIX TABLE is easy to assemble, lightweight and versatile. With its’ simple joints system it stimulates cleverness and creativity, as well as trains a child’s sense of space. It centers around creating an object that allows both young and old alike to share a moment of playful connection.
TIX TABLE is designed for both children and grown-ups alike, but most of all for the inner child between all of us.
Its adjustable seats allow both young and old alike to share a moment of playful connection: in spite of the small size, adults can comfortably use the seats by placing their legs sideways, while children of all ages can adjust the seats’ distance from the table to suit their size.
A 5 mm groove in the table allows the overlapping of a plywood panel, on which the “Dama” and “Filetto”game schemes are printed. To remove the panel, you can use the square holes in the table by pressing on the panel with your finger from under the table board itself.
The table is completed with a set of 20 coloured dowels of 20x20x200 mm size, which children can have fun with, by inserting them in the various holes on the support panels. If positioned by the seats, these elements can also help the younger children to find the right balance by providing a comfortable support for their feet.
Most of the project components are designed in pine multilayer wood that, in addition to being lightweight
(specific weight ~ 450 Kg / mc), is stable, durable and easy to work with and drill. It is also sustainable and hygroscopic (moisture content of about 10-12%), so the table can also be used outside without worry.
The average thickness of all components is 20 mm, and the maximum width is 1270 mm.
The edges of the support panels are protected by a waterproof coating.
All the elements that make up the TIX TABLE set are polished on the edges to suit children’s use. The
dowels are lacquered to allow for easy cleaning and sanitization.
Serena Cerillo 