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KIRI Table
KIRI Table
The KIRI Table was developed by Isabel Peña, Isabel Sanchez, and Kayla Vinh through an innovative experimentation with recycled plastic materials. This project was part of Gravity Wave’s initiative to reinvent the life cycle of ghost fishing nets by transforming them into plastic panels. The goal was to create a desirable and engaging product that not only serves a functional purpose but also tells a compelling story. By doing so, we aim to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans and its connection to the ongoing climate crisis.
Our inspiration for the KIRI Table came from the idea of taking a stiff, solid object and reintroducing the fluidity and movement associated with the ocean. To achieve this, we employed Kirigami techniques: the art of cutting and folding paper to add dimension. This approach led us to conduct numerous tests using paper and cardboard, allowing us to explore a series of alterations that could transform a simple flat board into a more complex shape.
The plastic panel cut precisely with the CNC machine. Our next step was to experiment with kerfing methods to form our desired shape and develop a locking mechanism to stabilise the table. A key aspect of our design process was our commitment to creating zero waste. We aimed to extract maximum value from the materials provided, ensuring that every part of the plastic sheet was utilised. The lock, key, and table were all cut from a single piece.
Moreover, we collected the shavings produced by the drilling process and conducted several experiments to repurpose them. This resulted in a separate project where we melted the shavings to create an organic, translucent piece we moulded into a lampshade. The KIRI Table is a testament to how we can design for the future by using materials from the past, showcasing the potential to create beautiful and creative pieces while promoting sustainability and innovation.
