Gear coffee table round

Design - Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl – 2019

The Gear table, with its robust pillars and thick tabletop, stands almost like a modest brutalist sculpture.

Gear draws its inspiration from the 1950s architectural movement of Brutalism, characterized by its geometric forms and raw concrete surfaces. The series reimagines brutalist architecture into furniture but aims to soften its otherwise perceived harsh expression. For instance, grooves in the table legs create shadow effects depending on the lighting that falls upon them, adding a dynamic element.

The Gear table is crafted by hand through a 9-step manufacturing process, meaning no two tables are alike. Each table bears its own characteristics, with variations in the fluted surface, slightly visible mold lines, small holes or subtle unevenness on the edges, showing that all steps in creating the product involve hands. In the final stages, the table is hand-painted, a process involving four steps before reaching the final color, rendering it a unique piece where the expression varies.

The colors, including Chalk and Earth, present a chalky white and a coffee-colored shade, giving the concrete a warm reddish hue. These warmer nuances temper the expression, making it easier to combine with softer materials like wood and upholstery.