Italian designer Gino Carollo is a much coveted name in the industrial design sector since his creations epitomize creativity, vitality and reveal a rarefied spirit. One of my favorite works by Carollo is the Bonaldo Planet Collection which has also been exhibited in numerous furniture fairs including imm cologne 2008.

Planet Coffee Table Collection. Designed by Gino Carollo.

The Planet Coffee Table Collection compromises of Planet, Planet Light, and Big Planet and last but certainly not the least, the Gold Planet. The spherical shape is the common denominator in all the incarnations of the table and for that dramatic yet numinous effect each avatar of the Planet can be equipped with inner lighting. Apart from having a strong structural presence, the Planet Tables also encapsulate how deeply enmeshed Carollo is in the cerebral and participatory design perspective.

The Planet Coffee Tables are available in Black or White aluminum and one can also opt for a smooth satin finish. The glass top lends an air of disheveled elegance to the tables; combine that with any innovative lighting system and you get a scintillating, all-consuming creative vibe.

The various elements at play make me wonder how one might characterize the Planet Collection? Is the Planet yet another schizophrenic interpretation of the hackneyed coffee table? Or is it an attempt by the designer to celebrate the planets in his own unique uninitiated style? Does the lighting system compete with the form of the table or does it simply lend a cascading aura to the collection? Whatever one might think, there is no denying that the Planet Collection demonstrates a subliminal design sensibility that seeks to defy stereotypes.