Project Overview

Described as “Clash of the Titans meets Donald Judd”, Daniel Barbera’s opulent Bronze table is a mix construct of cast bronze, marble and timber, created to stand the test of time.
With a vision of becoming a true “future” relic, Barbera fuses classical aesthetics with contemporary techniques, producing a single object that recognises who we are and who we were.??

Organisation

BARBERA

Team

Daniel Barbera - designer

James Richards - design assistant/ technician

Project Brief

The Bronze table responds to the need for permanence in our transient society.

The design speaks of our future possibilities and pays homage to past civilisations. Intended as a long-lasting legacy — it is a rare, one-of-kind object, which hints at a history untold.

Aesthetically, no two tables are the same. The patina of the bronze over time will evolve and gradually change colour, while still retaining the allure of its gold, lustrous finish. Balancing form with function, the design utilises materials already proven to withstand the ages.

The object sits comfortably in both a contemporary or classical setting — it is a timeless masterpiece, cast in a new light, and valued for eternity.?

Project Need

The innovation here is the integration of the latest 3D technologies with the ancient practice of sand casting to invent a specialised, design manufacturing process.  From a technical standpoint, a high level of accuracy was achieved, with the variables of tolerances managed to produce the desired outcome.

The use of polished solid bronze together with stone formed thousands of years ago, allows the table to adapt to either traditional or contemporary interior settings.

Design Challenge

The overall three-legged table concept was designed in Barbera’s mind in a snapshot. But translating the organic inner structure was more challenging. The simple elegance of the Bronze table belied its inherent process complexities.
The main challenge related to the manufacture of the solid bronze base. Creating a round shape and surface evenness was no easy feet, and most foundries deemed it too difficult a task. In addition, fusing six separate cast-bronze pieces together into one unified form presented a major challenge.
Having started off outsourcing this process, Barbera soon realised he had to do it himself, so he created a special welding table, which he engineered and fabricated, along with specialised jigs.

Understanding the process, the limitations and strength of the material was essential to its successful construction from design. After some trial and error, the rough cast-bronze were elevated to its full-mirror polish veneer and, like a diamond, refined to achieve its optimal brilliance.

Sustainability

At every vantage, the Bronze table exudes high-end luxury.
From a pragmatic perspective, working with bronze and marble — both considered expensive materials — made it even more important to minimise on waste and by product. The importance of a streamlined, low-process manufacturing methodology was paramount to this sustainable design.
But Barbera believes the true sustainable value of the Bronze table lies in the sum of its parts.
Bronze, made from the earth that we walk on, and marble, taking millions of years to form, are both highly prized natural materials that speak to our evolutionary history.
The Bronze table is designed for not just one lifetime, but for many. It is an instant family heirloom, which can be passed down from one generation to another, an object whose worth will increase over time.