Vicino Table

Overview

Vicino Table by Foster + Partners is a small table whose two tops move sideways, so that it works as a surface for objects and as a device for bringing what is needed to the foreground.

Image source: Molteni&C — Vicino Table · © 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

Per the datasheet, the base is cast aluminium and the upright and shelves are laser-cut steel, in a pewter colour. The tops are marble with anti-stain and water-repellent treatments, or stained solid ash.

Specifications

• VTR1: marble shelves, Ø40 cm and a second value of 50 cm (not labelled on the datasheet)
• VTR2: wood shelves, Ø40 cm and a second value of 50 cm (not labelled on the datasheet)
• Marble: white Carrara or black marquina
• Wood: solid ash stained eucalyptus or graphite oak

A table that brings things forward

The datasheet starts from a small table whose tops move sideways, so that it serves as a surface and also as a way of bringing needed objects forward. It adds that, as in all Foster + Partners designs, the hi-tech component is essential to its development.

Movement hidden in the frame

The datasheet says the steel frame conceals a sophisticated mechanism for the traverse movement of the slim but structurally effective marble or wood tops. The page describes the hidden system as letting the tops glide sideways with a simple gesture, and calls the table minimal yet expressive.