PRIMO, generative custom coffee tables

Madalin Gheorghe from Studio SIMPLEXIO (www.simplexio.ro) has created PRIMO, a series of custom coffee tables that combine generative design principles with flexible computer-aided manufacturing systems. The intricate geometry is derived from a space-partitioning algorithm called VORONOI, which deals with means of matter aggregation at cellular levels in nature. The different parameters constitute a sum of factors from which the coffee table emerges into an infinite number of different iterations and at the same time part of a unified aesthetic.
The fascination for the tiny wonders of an universe seen through the microscope lens and the mathematical rules that explain the complex and dynamic form of organic cells.
The purpose of the research was to find a way in which a furniture piece can be designed and fabricated so that it can be adapted to any room, dimension and body anatomy. This was possible by designing with algorithms, the purpose of designing has shifted from drawing the shape to designing the process that gives birth to that shape. The Grasshopper plugin is a great tool because it is a powerful visual programming language easy to use that can deal with complex approaches. The complexity of the shape wouldn’t have been possible to draw or fabricate otherwise.
By combining low unit costs of digital fabrication with the flexibility of individual customization the purpose was to achieve a very similar production cost for two different coffee tables.
Each table is composed of several smaller modules which fit together and are held together with magnets. The modules can function together or separately.
The fabrication process involves CNC Laser Cutting on metal sheets which are then folded, welded and epoxy coated. The cutting of glass is done by CNC water jet cutting for the right precision in order for the glass to fit perfectly in a special frame. The fabrication files were exported directly from Rhinoceros which proved to be a great platform for both designing and detailing a furniture project.
The design has won an A'Design Award Bronze distinction in Generative, Algorithmic and Parametric Design Cathegory.


Photo Credits:
For Pictures of Tables on white background: Simplexio
For Interior Scene: Design by Hamid Nicola Katrib, Photos: Alex Melente Photography