Rosenthal makes furniture
Cetera
The core idea behind the designer's concept was to create a variable conference table grammar – different from the one-dimensional, representational individual piece of furniture.
The prerequisite for this idea is an intelligent component system which
allows itself to be adapted to every form of use requirement with only
a low level of technology. Mobility can be achieved in a lively
conference by turning the table legs, carrying one or two table tops
according to their load.
Aesthetic
requirements are also a part of the usage concept: beyond the technical
solution the programme should have sensual qualities. Thus the wooden
edges of the table tops were constructed in a wide curve – slimming
from the strongly designed corners towards the centre. The result of
this formal finesse: in spite of their static stability the tables are
given an elegant lightness, almost hovering character, which can not
only be seen by the eyes but also explored with the finger tips.
Further the broad palette of high-quality materials offers interesting
possibilities 
for personal combinations of light or warm wood tones,
form-related veneer patterns, technical tones for the table legs or a
coordinated spectrum of colours for the table tops, contrasting or
harmonizing – according to the intended use and to personal
wishes. Christian Lepper, born 1958, Roland Schmidt, born 1961 and Uwe
Sommerlade, born 1961, belong to the high-profile newcomers in
technically oriented furniture design. With their ingenious product
developments they repeatedly prove their particular affinity to
craftsman-like quality, worked to perfection. Their creative competence
has to date been proved mainly in the sector of development of
multifunctional table systems, always based on a system concept which
enables development – the principle of extension, the potential of
conversion, of changing constellation.
The legs can be finished to match or contrast with the table top, to suit the
particular environment and personal ideas. There is no limit to the range and diversity of possible combinations.
The constructional core of the Cetera conference table programme is the
load-carrying system, designed with flexibility in mind: the table legs
are not fixed into the table top but are easily removed and exchanged
using a simple but convincing lever mechanism. Result: with only few
simple manoevres two table legs are turned 45° and a single table can
be transformed into a 
room-filling table structure just by adding table
tops. Thus the furniture can be spontaneously extended, regrouped or
split according to the conference situation – in order to adjust the
use requirement to the optimally coincide with the changing conditions.
Whether in a small discussion group, a forward-facing project situation
or a generously laid-out discussion forum: the architecture of the
table always shows individuality to suit the situation with its
repertoire of shapes. With only a few moves the entire table system can
be refitted in any of the various system variations, according to the
room available and the desired table formation. Thus the user becomes
the designer, change becomes a principle. The geometrical form of the
table legs emphasises the optical lightness of the table system. Where
the table legs stand as a pair they flow together to form an impressive
semicircle. Individuality included. Cornerstones: the right-angled form
of a corner with a square table top. … the harmonious effect of a
quarter circle element. … with a geometrical hexagonal formation. … or
with a generously curved circular segment.
With two lever movements – detachable from the table top without tools
– the table leg can be transformed from a corner point to a connecting
point between two table tops.
No insight: Panels of filigree perforated plate or veneered timber
derived material, hung in below the table top, discretely hide the view
of the legroom. The panels are easily mounted without tools according
to the principle of connection of the table legs.
Open ways: The programme includes tailor-made elements for the
organization of cable runs. An opening in the table top, covered by a
flap with a catch spring mechanism – which opens by a light tap with the
finger – serves for cable passage through the table top. The veneer
structure of the flap precisely matches the surrounding surface.
