Architect turned industrial designer David Tsai was interested in the idea “of a single continuous plane.” What appealed to him was “the ability of a single form to unify parts and eliminate the need for hardware.” Taking this idea and combining it with the aura of a specific place—in this case, Detroit—Tsai created the Cuda Side Table, which takes its cue from Motor City’s classic muscle cars, most especially the Plymouth Barracuda.

Cuda Side Table. Designed by David Tsai.

Table Inspired by Single Continuous Plane

The Cuda Side Table includes an alluring curve that resembles the Barracuda’s front fender with its wide oval shape setting off widely spaced circular headlights. The form of the table’s more angled legs recalls the slim strips of metal on either side of the Plymouth’s front windshield. The contrast between the straight and angled legs also gives the Cuda Side Table a sense of motion.

Cuda is available in black, red, and white—colors that recall the checkered flag and finish line of car races. In black, I envision the Cuda Side Table as the perfect spot for an old turntable, with the bottom rack serving to hold a stack of albums (and this application is in some ways a tribute to the city that influenced Cuda). You might also use Cuda as a telephone table—a sort of contemporary version of that 1950’s standard (except in lieu of land lines it would hold cellular phones). In white, Cuda also works as a sleek nightstand.

Via Style Factory.

About the Designer: David Tsai studied architecture at the University of Texas before switching his focus to industrial design. He later graduated with an MFA in 3D design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Tsai has taught industrial design at the University of Houston and is currently the artist-in-residence at Houston Community College in Houston, where he has a studio practice. His work has been profiled in Surface, Metropolis, Wallpaper, and other magazines.