The Claytable by Erwin Zwiers is inspired by the beach. Specifically, Zwiers noted that the beach is one of the few places where humans leave behind a trail when they pass through it. Zwiers imagined this experience translated for public spaces in the claytable, something people would be drawn to and could play with as they passed through. He imagines the table would do well in waiting rooms (especially for hospitals, schools, or nurseries), and interestingly, brainstorm areas for companies. I think that last one is interesting because there’s this talk about giving your hands something to do, bringing objects in so people can hold them and play with them as they think. It’s interesting because this is also in conjunction with reports that doodling actually can help people stay on task, by preventing the mind from becoming bored. NPR reported on this and a slightly amusing doodling snafu involving Bill Gates and Tony Blair. And personally, I’m just a doodler and fidgeter myself. Anyways, the table’s look reminds me of Fredrikson Stallard’s Pyrenees (via Yatzer).