Urban farming is a fast growing phenomenon where the typically rural practice of agriculture is
brought into the city. The picNYC table goes one step further and brings the rural experience
of picnicking not just in the city, but into the house.
The folded lightweight aluminum table top and legs form a stiff framework for the grass, soil
and stones (needed for drainage). The picNYC table creates a surreal experience of nature in
the city that literally transforms dining. Suddenly spilling water becomes a necessity instead of
a problem and wine glasses need coasters not to prevent ring stains but to avoid tumbling.
Included in the rural experience is the maintenance of the grass. No table grass mower yet
exists and the grass therefore needs to be cut by hand.
Depending on the number of cuts, maintenance, usage, sunlight and season, the PicNYC table
responds with a variety of colors to the conditions set by the owner. However, the color can
always be reset to bright green since fresh sod is available year round.
Haiko Cornelissen Architecten's picNYC table
With live grass table-top, the picNYC table brings the rural experience of picnicking into the house.
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- 06 January 2012
- New York
Based on the concept of transposing natural experiences to the residence, endless alterations are possible with flowers, herbs or even vegetables. Depending on the needs and green thumbs of the owner, the PicNYC table brings various degrees and qualities of the rural experience into the urban residence. As a consequence, the PicNYC table transforms dining into a feast at a new intersection of nature and city.
Haiko Cornelissen Architecten – Haiko Cornelissen is a Dutch architect with an office in Amsterdam and New York. He studied at MIT and Harvard before graduating in 2004 from the Technical University of Delft. After working for OMA and Steven Holl, Haiko opened his own office in 2011 to work on design, architectural and urban projects around the world.