Generative wireframe model behind the award winning AirTable designed by AirLab
The design of the AirTable combines the use of advanced metal 3D printing with material optimisation strategies resulting in an astonishing lightweight furniture system. The material is pushed to its limits inspiring the curiosity of the user to understand how the heavy materic top can be supported by a lightweight wireframe structure.
The table is made of stainless steel tubes 6mm in diameter legs and corian top with chamfered edges, fabricated using a 6-axis CNC Router. The table span is 3 m with a weight of 108 kg. The assembly for the final product took a month of work by a full-time researcher. The process started from the center of the table, continuing towards the outer edges, positioning in the 3D space one bar at a time rotated into two nodes at the same time.
The physical prototype was developed fully in 3D environment and structural analysis have been carried out using Karamba, a parametric structural engineering tool which provides accurate analysis of spatial trusses, frames and shells in the design environment of Grasshopper, a plug-in for the 3d modeling tool Rhinoceros. The software allowed the team to study in detail possible intersections in the development of the intricate bars network. The nodes were generated through a script and then further refined using T-Splines to design their 3D geometrical form. The bars have been 3D printed using binder jetting technology and allowing for very high precision considering the small section of 6 mm.
Multiple iterations in the prototyping process were essential to achieve an astonishing and fully integrated final piece of furniture, winner of multiple awards such as the German Design Award 2020 and the SG Mark Singapore.
Design Concept: Assistant Professors Carlos Banon and Felix Raspall.
