Asterias

Overview

Asterias is a round table by Patricia Urquiola, headed 2016 on Molteni&C's datasheet. It is named after a cactus that grows in the mountainous regions of Mexico, and the page says the generous round top and the central base echo the radial symmetry of that plant. The top is 160 or 180 cm in diameter.

Image source: Molteni&C — Asterias · © Molteni&C and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

The base is six curved, wedge-shaped panels that protrude over a central plinth; the page and the sheet say the panels are 3D printed. The sheet lists curved moulded multilayer beech panels covered in eucalyptus or oak veneer over an internal metal structure with cement counterweights, and a top of veneered medium-density fibreboard.

Specifications

• ATA11, round table with Lazy Susan: Ø 160 cm, 74 cm on the vertical dimension line (not labelled on the drawing), Lazy Susan Ø 85 cm

A cactus as the model

The sheet says the name comes from the Asterias cactus of Mexico's mountains and describes a central base reminiscent of it. The page reads the form as natural geometry turned into contemporary design, with the radial symmetry of the plant carried by the round top and the central base.

A top in wedges

The page says the top has a rounded edge and, in the wooden version, is divided into four wedges that make a geometric pattern. The sheet draws the pattern of wood pieces for the table top and for the top with a Lazy Susan.