Bruges-based architect Bert Masselus designed this Join Table, which transforms from a large standing-height table to a more picnic-bench-like arrangement.

"Reminiscent of a picnic table, the JoinTable fosters conversations in an informal way. Unlike a traditional picnic table, however, this unique design can be enjoyed in many different ways as well as in numerous settings, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Multifunctional in its use, the chairs fold down to create four seats; when closed, the standing table can accommodate several people for a meeting or a spontaneous discussion."

Masselus also designed a two-person version to be attached to a wall:

Manufacturing it was apparently not straightforward. "The complex interaction of aesthetics, technical visibility, ergonomics, structural rigidity, the influence of the center of gravity in open position and the total weight was a difficult balancing act for the industrial design engineer," writes Moebius Consulting, the Spanish firm that provided said engineer.

"After several digital designs, ergonomic mock-ups and structural prototypes, the successful collaboration between Moebius Consulting, Bert Masselus and metal construction company Lessage led to a powder-coated construction combining stainless steel and aluminum."