Patricia Urquiola Sengu Table

A dining table can be so much more than a tabletop and four legs. In the hands of Patricia Urquiola, it becomes an exploration of materials, shapes and proportions, with each element bringing something different to the design. Her Sengu Table for Cassina takes this idea in a particularly interesting direction, combining the warmth of solid timber with marble and ceramic in a piece that feels almost like a small work of architecture.

There’s a wonderful balance between the different elements. Oval and cylindrical forms come together in an unexpected arrangement, while the contrast between natural materials gives the table depth, texture and a strong visual presence. It’s sculptural without feeling overly formal, with a design that invites you to appreciate it from every angle.

Sengu comes in both round and oval versions, each built around a solid wood structure. An oval leg connects to two cylindrical supports with one or two crosspieces, creating a distinctive base that plays with geometry while retaining a sense of balance.

The choice of materials adds another dimension. Canaletto walnut, natural oak and black-stained oak offer three different interpretations of the timber structure, with the option of a matching wooden tabletop. Alternatively, a substantial cylindrical column in marble or coloured ceramic adds contrast, letting the materials become part of the table’s overall composition.

For the round version, Urquiola has included another interesting detail: an optional Lazy Susan in enamelled ceramic. Inspired by Eastern dining traditions, the revolving centrepiece makes sharing food around the table more practical while adding another decorative element.

Cassina is available in South Africa through True Design, which specialises in bringing authentic international furniture and design to the local market. Its portfolio includes leading design houses with established histories and a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation and original design. For South African homeowners, architects and interior designers, it offers access to collections that combine the heritage of international furniture design with contemporary ideas and technologies.