Hi all,
I'm seeking some design ideas for a conference table. We have one right
with a wood top (42" x 96" / white oak) mounted on a steel base (which
looks nice by the way). I don't want to complicate my life and we will
reuse the base. In a nutshell, I just need the table top to be redone
but I'd like something that stands out either by the edge treatment or
some other nice features. Please, no carving or veneer work - it's an
architect firm and I'm not equipped in my shop to handle such type of
work.
Obviously, I would like to integrate inside the table some new features
we didn't have a few years ago (network plugs for laptops - electrical
outlets, etc...) - I don't really know what to plan for.
Any help from people here who can proudly say: "been there, done that"?
Thank you very much for any help.
Cyberben
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> Uhh... Architect's? Too bad there isn't anyone around with training,
> strong opinions and daily experience with design and materials
> selection. Maybe then you could get some input.
>
> Not trying to be an ass, but wouldn't an Architect's office be able to
> provide all of the required input?
>
> BW
Well, it just happens that they have no time for this and they're
specialized in labs... They know squat about how to integrate IT stuff
into the table.
Unfortunately, architects aren't gods knowing everything like many
people think sometimes.
Cyberben
OK - 'nuff replies w/o suggestions.
Take a look at the steelcase e-table for a few ideas.
http://www.steelcase.com/na/products.aspx?f=15650
Power is a must IMO. Network is not too critical as wireless is very
inexpensive and will reduce table clutter. You will also want to consider
AV. Is a projector used on the table? If you could mount the projector on
the ceiling or back wall then you would need to run a cable to the table and
have a jack to plug into the projector. (I think there are some new things
to do this wirelessly too, check linksys)
When I modified a conference room table once, all I did was build a box in
the middle, it was sized to properly elevate the projector and had standard
duplex outlets on all 4 sides. Power was in conduit under floor run into
table.
Also - Rockler has some table/desk components that may give you some ideas.
http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=200
Smarthome may also have some fun stuff.
http://www.smarthome.com/2540fb.html
Have fun and let us know what you decide. If you must have network let me
know, reply to this post, and I can help you there.
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm seeking some design ideas for a conference table. We have one right
> with a wood top (42" x 96" / white oak) mounted on a steel base (which
> looks nice by the way). I don't want to complicate my life and we will
> reuse the base. In a nutshell, I just need the table top to be redone
> but I'd like something that stands out either by the edge treatment or
> some other nice features. Please, no carving or veneer work - it's an
> architect firm and I'm not equipped in my shop to handle such type of
> work.
>
> Obviously, I would like to integrate inside the table some new features
> we didn't have a few years ago (network plugs for laptops - electrical
> outlets, etc...) - I don't really know what to plan for.
>
> Any help from people here who can proudly say: "been there, done that"?
>
> Thank you very much for any help.
>
> Cyberben
>
In article <[email protected]>,
"SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Uhh... Architect's? Too bad there isn't anyone around with training,
> strong opinions and daily experience with design and materials
> selection. Maybe then you could get some input.
>
> Not trying to be an ass, but wouldn't an Architect's office be able to
> provide all of the required input?
>
> BW
One would think, eh? My experience with architects has been varied. Some
think they are 'designers/artists', others think they're mechanical
engineers. One particular architect bought an upgraded library to the
software he uses, now everything he builds has frickin' palladium
windows all over the place.
Another example is an architect who uses 2" x 7" x 'whatever length'
solid oak handrails in hallways and always uses the same colours of PLam
and paint, no matter what he's building. A local bank now looks like a
local school and local customs office... we have named his colour scheme
after him by name... kinda funny, really.
Architects seldom have a creative bone in their body, at least the ones
I have dealt with.
Most residential stuff now comes from Plans-R-Us or HomePlanOfTheMonth
Club. The latest rage is 9-foot ceilings...again.
On the contrary, I don't expect much at all from an architect and see how
this table would be beyond them. Few architects can design anything without
the aid of a number of "consultants".
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
>
> Unfortunately, architects aren't gods knowing everything like many
> people think sometimes.
>
> Cyberben
>