Wave dining table by Kenneth Cobonpue: Liquid rhythm in wood
23rd December 2007
Nature is such a rich source of inspiration for furniture designers, as we have seen time and again. Stools inspired by forest foliage; beds inspired by clouds; sofas inspired by feline forms; tables inspired by the ocean’s waves. Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s Wave Dining Table is an example of the last one.
It amazes me how creative minds like his can capture a dynamic moment and sculpt it in still life in such a way that the viewer or user can somehow feel or sense what the real thing may have been like. The undulating, sinuous movement of the table’s base does seem reminiscent of the graceful motions of waves gently coming to shore. Gentle being the operative word here, not the violent force of something like a tsunami, which is terrible in its beauty.
The Wave Dining Table is not too big. It measures 46 cm deep, 143 cm wide and 74 cm high. The base is made up of hand-finished walnut or mahogany wood slats that are attached together in such a way as to recall the graceful movements of the tides, and sturdily enough to support the glass rectangular table top. It certainly would be a worthy addition to any contemporary café furniture collection. Partaking of good food and/or drinks while surrounded by lovely yet functional objects makes for a great commercial dining experience.
Cobonpue’s design education was earned in New York and Europe. Coming back home to the Philippines, he is contributing to the world of modern design by using organic materials found locally, like rattan, abaca, and bamboo, and processing them with hand-made yet innovative production methods. His art has not gone unnoticed. He has been given numerous awards both in the Philippines and abroad; his work has been featured in many international exhibitions; he has been included several times in the International Design Yearbook, curated by internationally acclaimed designers like Tom Dixon and Marcel Wanders.
