Ryan Pieper
‘High/Low’ Table
Cranbrook Academy of Art
‘High/Low’ Table
‘High/Low’ Table
A table that can be positioned with either a 33" or 17" surface height. The top is constructed from solid maple (20" x 96" x 1.5"). The legs are made from welded 1.25" OD steel tubing (powdercoated blue). And there are four black neoprene rubber grommets.
2. The Brief: Summarize the problem you set out to solve. What was the context for the project, and what was the challenge posed to you?Our live and work areas are becoming more and more intertwined. Our furniture needs to be able to adapt to our ever changing lifestyle. The need for the 'work bench' at home is returning, and the desire for extra seating is always an issue.
3. The Intent: What point of view did you bring to the project, and were there additional criteria that you added to the brief?I wanted to create a table that was robust enough to withstand heavy work loads, yet elegant enough to be appealing within the modern home/studio. It was very important to me that the legs could be repositioned without the use of external tools, hardware or fasteners (ie: no screws or bolts). The table also had to stand strong without wobble or racking.
4. The Process: Describe the rigor that informed your project. (Research, ethnography, subject matter experts, materials exploration, technology, iteration, testing, etc., as applicable.) What stakeholder interests did you consider? (Audience, business, organization, labor, manufacturing, distribution, etc., as applicable)Finding the appropriate balance of friction and weight distribution for stability and ease of interchangeability. Many mockups and tests were conducted to meet these needs. It needed to be simple in ornamentation, function and operation. All construction materials were made in America. And all fabrication labor was sourced from local craftsmen and workshops.
5. The Value: How does your project earn its keep in the world? What is its value? What is its impact? (Social, educational, economic, paradigm-shifting, sustainable, environmental, cultural, gladdening, etc.)The interchangeability of the table fits well into the flexible nature of present day domesticity. Produced locally, with locally sourced materials.
An object double feature. Smart and clever, the shape is unique, assembly remains simple. The combination of industrial color and wood is interesting.