Sphere Table by Hella Jongerius for Vitra

Back in October one of the joys of Orgatec 2012 in Cologne was watching visitors reactions to Hella Jongerius‘ Sphere Table for Vitra. Most were highly amused and assumed it was a new kids product. An opinion that quickly changes when you learn the background to the object.

Developed for Hella Jongerius’ recently completed redevelopment of the North Delegate’s Lounge at the United Nations in New York, the Sphere Table is a response to a brief that said the lounge could contain no internal walls. The plastic sphere attached to the desk corner allows delegates a modicum of privacy without disrupting the geometry of the space.

And once you know that, you can only have respect for the work. And can still be amused by its playful, untroubled character.

The Sphere Table is now in use at the UN as a form of informal workstation, but for all who can’t get accreditation to the Delegate’s Lounge – so almost all of us – it can also be enjoyed in the VitraHaus, Weil am Rhein. Or of course at your local Vitra dealer.

A few impressions…..