Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, born 1971 and 1976, respectively, in Quimper, France, studied at the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Cergy-Pontoise. Ronan began independent design work immediately after completing his studies, while his brother, who was still in school, assisted him.

Since 1999 both brothers have worked together as joint partners in their own Paris-based design studio. Their work ranges from small utilitarian objects to architectural projects. In addition to the design of domestic and office furniture, vases, porcelain dishware, jewellery and diverse home accessories, a primary focus of their work is the design and organisation of interior space.

One of their most unconventional designs, Algue (2004), was created in this context. The collaboration between the Bouroullec brothers and Vitra began with the office furniture system Joyn, which was developed between 2000 and 2002 and continues to be expanded and refined. Along with Jasper Morrison, Hella Jongerius, and Antonio Citterio, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have made major contributions to the steadily growing Vitra Home Collection.

RONAN & ERWAN BOUROULLEC

natural lacquered oak + black HPL

black stained oak + white HPL

black stained oak + black HPL

natural lacquered oak + white HPL

black stained oak + black linoleum

black stained oak + grey linoleum

natural lacquered oak + black linoleum

Kaari wall hooks

Kaari table REB003

table Kaari REB004

natural lacquered oak + grey linoleum

Kaari shelves & desk

Kaari rectangular tables

Linoleum organic material made from vegetable oils, matt finish, warm to the touch, self-regenerating

HPL synthetic material, easy maintenance, glossy, sturdy

Base Solid oak, natural lacquered or black stained + flat rolled steel powder coated black, felt glides

Tabletop Glossy black or white HPL, or black or grey linoleum. Thickness approx. 24mm with either. Black ABS edges

Combinations The 2 oak finishes can be combined with the 4 tabletop finishes, giving 8 possible combinations.

The Kaari Table, the result of Artek’s first collaboration with French designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, has a light, fluid outline that could have been drawn with a single stroke of the pen. Supported by a single central pillar, the table owes its stability to the simple yet elegant steel band that fans out in four wings around its base – “Kaari” means “arch” in Finnish.

The pillar is made of oak, and the table top is available in a variety of finishes. Strikingly contemporary, Kaari tables promise stability, longevity, and adaptability and are suitable for both home and public spheres.