Three questions to Peter Kunz
Peter Kunz: There are enough tables already. In my opinion, the only reason to still design a table today is in constructions and production methods that open up new possibilities. At "ONEMM" we only design with one material in the sense of sustainability. As a result, the table is very light and even I could hardly believe that it has such high stability. With the Monocoque technology, the sheet metal is cut with a laser and then folded. I was very fascinated by the possibilities this offers. Instead of the usual structure of a table consisting of a frame and a top, we thus have the essence: a top with four threaded sleeves into which I can turn the legs without tools. What's more, the components can be easily stored in a flat cardboard box. The fact that the table takes up so little space when disassembled also has great advantages for storage. The nice thing about working with Arper is that the claim of sustainability is not just an empty phrase, but is actually lived by the company.
"ONEMM" is available in black, white and red lacquered steel and offers metal legs in two heights. Legs made of oak wood are also possible. Depending on the version, the table takes on a different character. To what extent were you able to control the individualisation options in favour of the purist design?
Peter Kunz: I have a relatively liberal attitude to the customisation options: I like the table pure best, but I can well understand that different colours and textures are also necessary for different environments. We didn't want to design a tailor-made suit, but a table that works for the world market. Lievore Altherr Molina achieved this balancing act with the "Catifa" chair for Arper - and I would like to join them with the "Aeeri" table. That is my ambition.
You are an architect and have already designed matching tables for your own office. Was there a requirement from architecture that you transferred to the design for "Aeeri"?
Peter Kunz: The object-specific customised tables that I designed with my team did not go into series production. The aspiration that I can combine in product design with my work as an architect is the desire to design something that lasts. In the discussions with Arper, it became increasingly clear to me that I not only appreciate the aesthetics of purism, but also the combination of quality, a special feel and a clear construction. We can achieve this interplay with "Aeeri".
