Tables and beds are flat surfaces of almost the same size, but arranged at different heights: they can be used to lean on or rest the whole body, to eat or work. Raising the floor surface to create modular activity areas is the principle of this link to different uses, by means of a 4U table base, consisting of chromium-plated steel tubes joined by four U-shaped pieces, and a clip attachment to the table top.
Table base made of chromed steel tubes joined by four U-shaped pieces and clipped to the table top. "4U for bed": varnished birch bed base (160x210cm). Folding by simply dismantling the U-shaped pieces.
This idea can be translated into a standard that supports several vectors: the multi-piece bent steel tube structure, which significantly reduces production costs, but also allows for part of the structure to be replaced if it becomes damaged (e.g., chrome pitted with wear), or for the heights to be changed for different spatial uses. In addition, the surfaces clipped to the structure allow the orientation and finish to be adapted via the digital production line: no moulds are needed to make the clip. This echoes Thonet's statement: "The two development axes of luxury and simplicity continue to play an important role in furniture design and are no longer experienced as polarising opposites. Design is part of a social principle and must support a serious and socially connected production, because design is not the production of historical collector's items but of living items.
