I was invited by The Brooklyn Museum to collaborate on an interactive exhibition that would greet visitors in the lobby.

Ideation Sketches

I explored many concepts, landing on an idea based around magnetic tools and sand enclosed under a glass tabletop.

Prototyping

To test proportions and structure, I built several scale models. These iterative models allowed me to experiment with visual balance, stability, construction and aesthetic flow before committing to the final dimensions.

Validating Function

A box, sand, and a sheet of glass acted as the table. I used a magnet glued to wood to drag a block with metal washers and nails through the sand, acting as a rack-like object.

1:8 Scale Model

To validate the proportions, overall aesthetic and construction, I created a scale model out of balsa wood and plexiglass.

Full Scale Model

A single rake rested in an inlay when not in use. This led me to iterate a design for more than one user at a time.

Build

I used hard maple and powder-coated steel for the base, blending warmth with durability. The stark white sand bed and custom wooden tools were encased in tempered glass to keep things tidy and aesthetically minimal.

The magnetic wooden tools were handcrafted to each create their own unique, dynamic patterns in the sand.

Laminate Mold

I designed and built a custom laminate mold for the curves ends of the tabletop.

Metal Milling

I milled slots into each metal leg creating a home for the connecting pieces of the wooden tabletop to fit into.

Durable For Public Use

I chose to powder coat the metal legs for durability and to blend in more seamlessly with the wood.

Inspired by Zen gardens, this design invites visitors to pause and slow down.

I received so much positive feedback on this piece. Many users shared how they lost track of time in their experience, leaving them feeling calm and relaxed. I got several commissions to apply the concept to dining tables, desks, and smaller tabletop versions.