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Small Talk Cairo, 213
Cairo's institutional coffeehouses (ahwas) are integral to the city's street life.  Coffeehouses vary in appearance, but their essential elements remain consistent: imitation bentwood Thonet chairs or classic colored monobloc plastic chairs, and tables made of battered tin or wood. The battered tin tables are the taller side tables used for supporting beverages like coffee and tea, while larger, lower tables are used for playing games such as dominoes and backgammon. The taller tables were the inspiration for this series of side tables with varying metallic bases.   

Historically, coffeehouses have functioned as crucial sites for gauging public opinion and political sentiment, with small talk reflecting the everyday exchanges that form the fabric of the city's social life. Ruling authorities have long used informants in cafés to monitor public moods, acting as political thermometers. This significant public and political context inspired me to focus on one of the key elements of the coffeehouse: the table around which patrons gather for small talk and discussions. The first table in the series features a metallic base with three yellow curved legs, creating a contrast with its white hexagonal top. The second table has thin, curved legs forming an ornate structure. Its blue base is paired with a square white top. The third table’s base is composed of three light pink curved metal legs that connect with crossbars for added stability. The curvature in the base is complemented by the table’s curved, rounded white top. Together, the three tables in the series reference classical Egyptian coffeehouse tables in their form, color, and materiality while offering a contemporary interpretation. Incorporating the essence of Cairo's ahwas into modern design, "Small Talk," pays homage to the pivotal role these coffeehouses play in fostering community and conversation.



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