BuzziPicnic Table by Alain Gilles for Buzzispace

Alain Gilles has recently designed for Buzzispace, a versatile indoor picnic table that can either serve as a common eating table, a gather point for group interactions, a temporary working space, or just a bench. BuzziPicnic was envisioned to be used in common space, where its versatile design lets its function evolve according to people’s needs. The table was first showcased the 2014 Chicago Neocon, where it won two awards.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

A place to have breakfast or share coffee, a place to come and sit with a laptop or tablet to change air and focus on a specific task, a place to eat with others and relax at lunch time, a place to organize a quick discussion with a college in the afternoon hours, a place to share a pizza when projects have to be finalized…

– Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Alain Gilles developed the design based on the idea of pleasurable moments in life. “Typically a picnic table makes one think of the summer and good times shared with friends. It is a non-conflictual, friendly and informal gathering tool… It brings into the office a stress-free furniture typology that will hopefully help foster communication in the office”, says the Belgian designer.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Minimalist and discreet, the design incorporates several easy access flaps that allow for quick and non intrusive connectivity to a power source, or internet. The table also features a groove that serves as an instant stand for tables and smartphones.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

BuzziPicnic comes in three different versions: rectangular, round, and split level. The straight models can be used side by side to create a long graphic rows of tables, while the round version defines a new typology of workbench when used as a permanent workspace. It creates a very different dynamic while at the same time offering the same functional flexibility as the standard one.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

The round version redefines the notion of workbench. Similar to a Lazy Susan concept, the central plate of the table rotates for easy sharing of office tools, or food when used as a dining table. When used as a workbench, it will comfortably accommodate five people, and 8-10 people when used as a gathering or dining table.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

The “Split-Level” version of the BuzziPicnic table shows its versatility the most. The design of the table enables people to work on two different levels around a same common table. Each side offers a different table top height, one side being normal chair height, while the other at standing or high stool height. This is ideal for architects and designers, as it offers them new possibilities for interaction, and collaborative work.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

The BuzziPicnic table can be further customized with the use of movable BuzziFlipflaps to help define privacy. The BuzziGrids are a great addition to act as noise dampening elements, while the BuzziMilk stools and BuzziPicnic benches perfectly compliment the design.

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Image Courtesy of Alain Gilles

Facts:
Dimensions: Rectangular version (320 cm L x 160 cm W x 75 cm H, + other sizes), Round version (220 cm Dia x 75 cm H + other sizes), Split Level (160 cm L x 300 cm W x 74/90 cm H + other sizes)
Materials: Wood and Metal
Awards: “CONTRACT Magazine EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD 2014” ( USA ) in the ‘Collaborative Furniture’ section, • “HIP AWARDS Winner 2014” ( USA ) in the ‘Collaboration/Large’ product category.

*All images and information courtesy of Alain Gilles.