I came across this smart little design the other day when browsing tumblr and I have to say it’s a rather splendid idea. Another Picnic Table came about as part of a collaboration between designers Wouter Nieuwendijk (on the left) and Jair Straschnow (on the right). Their simple new spin on the iconic picnic table seems like such a clever idea that it feels odd that no-one has ever thought about making one like this before.

Their variation has two very interesting changes on the traditional table. First, they’ve split the bench into separate seats so that they’re easier to access. This has also allowed them to offer a second option – where the bench can transform into a relaxed seat. This is something which Nieuwendijk believes is lacking within public spaces. “While there are numerous benches for public space” he says on his website, “easy chairs are never to be found in parks and leisure areas, where one would expect them most”. It’s a fair point, and Another Picnic Table really seems to work in adding enjoyable seating to the public space. I’d love to see some of these near the parks where I live. The table is part of a larger collection called Outdoor Grassworks which according to Straschnow, is designed to “refresh the way we use public space”. Take a look at more images from the collaboration here.

Philip