Spanish designer Jorge Penadés has unveiled his latest creation, the “Look Mum, No UV” table, a striking exploration of fragility and industrial aesthetics.
Design Concept
The table consists of three layers of laminated, tempered glass, with the middle layer intentionally shattered. Sandwiched between the intact top and bottom layers, the broken glass is safe to touch while producing a dynamic interplay of light and texture:
“As it passes through the broken inner layer, light refracts, bends, and scatters, creating shimmering distortions, shadows, and surface textures impossible to achieve with smooth glass,” says Penadés.
To contrast the delicate glass, the table is secured with industrial metal ratchet straps, more commonly used for cargo. This design choice not only ensures structural integrity but also contributes a bold, utilitarian aesthetic:
“This joining system forms a sharp contrast with the glass’s delicacy and results in a piece that is simultaneously refined and robust,” adds Penadés.
Artistic Impact
The Look Mum, No UV table demonstrates Penadés’ commitment to material experimentation, pairing fragility with resilience in a way that transforms a conventional object into a captivating sculptural piece. While this table was a one-off commission, it signals the start of what could be a new series of explorations with unconventional materials.