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Sensei transforms two chairs into one table (and back again)

Sensei transforms two chairs into one table (and back again)
Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
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Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
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Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
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Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
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Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
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Sensei as seen at the moment the two chairs are slotted together to form a coffee table
Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
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Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
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Sensei comprises two chairs -- one black, one white -- which can be converted into a coffee table by the simple process of turning and slotting
How Sensei looks as a coffee table, with the two chairs slotting together seamlessly
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How Sensei looks as a coffee table, with the two chairs slotting together seamlessly
Sensei is designed as dual-purpose furniture for people constrained by small living spaces
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Sensei is designed as dual-purpose furniture for people constrained by small living spaces
View gallery - 8 images

With living urban spaces shrinking as the world's population increases, it seems the concept of dual-purpose furniture and fittings is heading towards the mainstream. Joining the likes of the sofa bed workstation and the shape-shifting apartment in this space is Sensei – a pair of chairs which transform seamlessly into a coffee table.

Sensei is the work of Uruguayan industrial designer Claudio Sibille, who specializes in providing innovative solutions to the growing problem of reduced living spaces. Sensei features two simple, modernist chairs which can be converted quickly and easily into a usable coffee table.

The black and white combination and the way in which the chairs fit together to form the table invoke yin and yang, the Chinese philosophical belief in natural dualities. However, Sibille points out that this wasn't the inspiration, instead it's a mere accident of design as Sensei grew from the drawing of abstract forms, essentially "random geometrical shapes," into AutoCAD.

Sibille drew a form which resembled the "top view of the two chairs forming a table." Thus the idea to create two chairs which can be turned on their sides in order to be transformed easily into a coffee table was born.

Sensei is designed as dual-purpose furniture for people constrained by small living spaces
Sensei is designed as dual-purpose furniture for people constrained by small living spaces

Sensei represents the first piece Sibille has designed in such a way, drawing "many shapes – some simple, some complex – until ... something of value that can help solve problems somehow [emerges]." In other words finding the form first, and then applying a function to it.

The chairs are 76 cm (30 in.) tall, 44.5 cm (17.5 in.) across, and 51 cm (20 in.) deep, while the table is 51 cm (20 in.) tall, 116 cm (46 in.) across, and 44.5 cm (17.5 in.) deep. We've seen similar two-in-one furniture before, but Sensei is not only practical but also easy on the eye thanks to a strong aesthetic.

Sensei remains just a concept for now – while Sibille has constructed two prototypes, the piece has yet to be turned into a commercial product.

Source: ClaudioSibille via Core77

View gallery - 8 images
2 comments
2 comments
David Clarke
Two chairs. Hip hip hurray! They don't look very comfortable, do they? It is quite difficult to see how they function.
Arthur Dent
I like this designer already. Instead of "inspired by nature" or some other design mambo jumbo of how the forms resemble a beatle, he just said that it was the result of an autocad brainstorming. well done!