Artek - Kaari Collection

Unique Collection to Write Design History

The Kaari Collection is the first collection of the designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for the Finnish manufacturer Artek. The Kaari Collection includes rectangular and round table in two sizes, a desk, a wall bracket and several shelves in various sizes.

The Bouroullec brothers aimed to design tables that are practical and unique at the same time. They wanted to create a table that has a high degree of innovation despite its everlasting same task. All products were supposed to fit to Artek, but at the same time be something completely new - without reference to previous Artek series.

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec designed ideas, of which one was immediately outstanding: an innovative table leg; a construction that supports a wide variety of table tops – large and small, round and square, low and high. Because the leg design is ideal for a wide range of furniture, the Kaari Collection includes next to tables of different shapes and sizes a wall bracket, a small round shelf, as well as several large wall shelves.

The principle is simple: A wooden vertical part carries the table top. Horizontal stability is offered by diagonal, curved struts made of steel. The combination of solid oak and a metal, delicate bend give the furniture a surprisingly lightweight appearance.

Several tables in one room make a rhythmic effect, which is rather atypical for the static piece of furniture table. Viewers have the impression to face something completely new. And this is not due to an innovative choice of materials or new technology - previous tables were already made of wood and steel and belong to the Artek repertoire for a long time. The surface consists of linoleum and a high pressure laminate (HPL), which absorbs light in unusual ways, or reflects it. Over time, these materials will form a very special surface. Thus, the Bouroullec brothers have reached their goal - creating a table which has the best chance to write design history.