Akira for Coalesse Vecta
Savvy engineering to update an archaic, finger-pinching design
Coalesse Vecta, a division of Steelcase, is known for the mechanical ease and elegance it brings to workspace furniture. Looking to tackle one of the most challenging office designs—the traditionally clumsy folding table, Vecta asked IDEO to help engineer a clever solution that could better meet the challenges of dynamic work environments.
Working with independent designer Christian Cornelius, IDEO examined engineering solutions that would enable a simple, compact design that easily transitioned from flat to upright. The result is a line of folding tables, called Akira, which can be used singly or fastened together to suit spatial needs. A swivel mechanism allows the table legs to rotate on an axis, facilitating single-handed folding and nesting for quick storage. The table legs are designed to wedge into a folding “wing” instead of utilizing a standard locking hinge, thereby minimizing pinch points during assembly.
The Akira collection includes a number of sizes and shapes of tabletops, each being the result of meticulous optimization of geometry and engineering.
The Akira table is available in a number of finish options and is 96% recyclable.
Project date: 2008
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