nendo: textured transparencies

'transparent table' by nendo
all photos by masayuki hayashi


japanese design studio nendo presents 'textured transparencies' at milan design week 2011 at galleria jannone.
the collection of four new pieces include tables and lights, exploring levels of transparency infinite nuances -
not full transparency that seeks to disappear visually, but partial transparency that exists in gradations
in the space between transparent and opaque. each of the pieces are constructed from different materials
and point to the possibility of new functions and visual effects in furniture.


detail of black 'transparent table'


for the 'transparent table', nendo cast clear acrylic in a wooden form exhibiting a strong grain
resulting in 'transparent wood', assembled to create a table.  they treated the acrylic pieces
exactly like the natural material, bevelling their edges like floorboards, matching grain ends
and dimensions of the wood to create a unified piece.

the two tables have specific and optical effects. at first glance one appears black, and much like wood,
but upon closer inspection, reveals transparency. while on the other hand, the clear table is transparent at first,
but only revealing its wooden form later.


'transparent table' (clear)



up close



details of the 'wood grain'



'transparent light'


with nendo's 'transparent light', the shade itself appears transparent, however when the bulb is light
an opaqueness results, creating a large white mass at the lamp's centre.



'transparent light'