Doric Coffee Table – / 140 X 80 Cm – Travertine Stone – Gubi

The GamFratesi duo continues with its exploration into the aesthetic and functional aesthetics of the stone. Inspired by antique columns, the Doric coffee table evokes the architectural traditions of the classic era. The Doric coffee table is named after the Doric order: the oldest and most minimalist of the Greek architectural orders. The Doric architecture is characterised by the retention, symmetry and simplicity, with decorative elements generally limited to the vertical grooves so closely associated with the Doric column. The determining characteristic of the Doric table is the inward curve of the legs, which is the result of the material subtraction of a simple shape. What could have been a monolithic profile with hard edges has been given an unexpected, lightweight and soft look that seduces while sculpting each of its four legs – a modern reinterpretation of the grooved details that can often be found in the Doric column. By re-contextualising this unique architectural detail in a piece of furniture, GamFratesi has succeeded in imbuing the design with a sense of history which counterweights its resolutely modern look. Whilst the table’s surface showcases the natural beauty of the stone, its legs demonstrate the sculptural quality of the piece and emphasise the level of expertise that contributed to its creation. Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi, GamFratesi: “By reinterpreting a characteristic of classic architecture, the Doric table adds the weight of history into a modern environment. The particular shape of the leg manages to be rigid and formal whilst also being soft and decorative. In the grooved detail, a solid stone element becomes ornamental while conserving the overall geometry of the design.” The table is available in two types of natural stone, each with its own, distinctive colour. The travertine version is a magnificently nuanced neutral beige, whilst the limestone is white, strewn with a bold, electric grey which creates a more dramatic pattern. Each piece produced in these stones is unique, and the ancient history of Earth is etched into its surface.