The Gravitational Table is a commission from the architect and designer Stefano Grande, founder of Arsenali Digitali, a design studio based in Genoa, Italy. Arsenali Digitali is dedicated to design and exhibition content, scenography and lighting, among others.

The final destination of the table is the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, Barcelona.

The table consists of a funnel that simulates the gravitational pull of a black hole. The intention is to better understand what happens in a black hole and the path followed by bodies that approach it.

Our studio was in charge of the complete manufacture of the table in Okume plywood.

The inner surface had an important technical complexity: it should not have irregularities and be completely smooth to avoid the friction of the ball that would be used for the experiment.

We follow the following process to manufacture the table:

• – 2D cutting of the boards
• – Gluing the layers in the form of a ladder
• – 3D milling of the inner surface looking for the finest possible finish

To achieve this last point, we use milling tools thicker to thinner until we reach the finish as smooth as possible. Finally, after sanding, we apply a high-resistance varnish.

Client/Design: Stefano Grande Arch.  Arsenali Digitali→

Manufacture: Juan Pablo Quintero / Medio Design

Photo: Medio Design

Year: 2018