PITA produces a lightweight, flatpack table for on-the-go study

after watching students in an islamic boarding school using makeshift tables and boards to study, design collective PITA (passion initiative transform action) came up with the idea for the ‘meja semangat’ — a folding flat-pack table, easy to transport and easy to assemble. although iterations of the idea have been produced in the past, PITA’s approach focused on realizing a design more durable, economical and greener than its predecessors.  

the table requires no extra construction, and is easily slotted together

as an archipelago country, PITA wanted to create a form that maximised portability, simultaneously appealing to a child’s ability to take their life with them wherever they go. the table top includes a built in handle for ease of transport, and is constructed from lightweight wood. needing no additional construction, the table simply folds out like a piece of origami with its pieces easily slotted into place.

the compact folding table has been dubbed the ‘meja semangat’

starting out as a simple solution to a pervasive problem, PITA’s meja semangat has now developed into a charitable, non-profit movement engaged in supplying basic facilities for teaching and learning activities to children around indonesia. by removing any barriers to the learning process and providing children with the tools they need, PITA hopes to stimulate an enthusiasm and passion for education among the nation’s children. the folding table has thus far been deployed in two centers of non-formal learning, in jakarta and gowa-south sulawesi.

PITA’s approach focused on realizing a design more durable, economical and greener than its predecessors

the table top includes a built in handle for ease of transport, and is constructed from lightweight wood

by removing any barriers to the learning process, PITA hopes to stimulate an enthusiasm for education  

the project originated from watching students use makeshift tables and boards to study

PITA’s meja semangat has now developed into a charitable, non-profit movement 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: peter corboy | designboom