Dezeen Magazine

A side table with a square shaped cork tabletop and a diagonally shaped white base.

University of East London presents ten tables designed by students

Dezeen School Shows: a side table composed of upcycled materials that explores minimalism is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at the University of East London.

Also included is a table consisting of reclaimed materials including plywood and vibrant wood veneer, and another made of teak, epoxy resin and 3D-printed PLA that has a geometric appearance.


University of East London

Institution: University of East London
School: Architecture and Visual Arts
Courses: BA Interior Design, BA Interior Architecture and BA Product Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh

School statement:

"In BA Interiors and BA Product Design we task our students with designing and producing a 1:1 prototype containing 50 per cent upcycled parts to show off innovative design solutions to a common everyday item.

"This year we chose the side table, an often overlooked but very useful item in our everyday lives.

"The courses aim to upskill and create confident students ready for the working world that are able to approach complex design challenges.

"In Year 01 we focus on technical skills and understanding the language of hand-drawings, in Year 02 the students approach more complex design briefs in order to find their design voice and in Year 03 we focus on honing thinking skills to get our students employment-ready.

"We do this by linking our briefs to live clients, giving the students crucial first-hand experience of the working world.

"BA Interior Design is ten years old in UEL next year and with BA Interior Architecture now in its second year, the two courses are thriving with industry connections and well-structured teaching curriculums including field trips and exhibitions of student work, both in-house and at galleries in central London.

"For the fourth year in a row, BA Interior Design has achieved over 95 per cent in nearly every category relating to student satisfaction being consistently at the top of the higher education sector."


Person adjusting components of a steel table.

SOLVE by Maleena Hydara-Brown

"SOLVE sets you on a jigsaw journey.

"It creates several possibilities, allowing experimental reconstruction and personification.

"Made of mild steel off-cuts, each piece is crafted to fit varied arrangements."

Student: Maleena Hydara-Brown
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2275600[at]uel.ac.uk


Person handling a multi-coloured side table.

Colour Virus by Leo Sotiri

"Colour Virus is an old side table that has been upcycled – its chipped and worn parts were replaced with colourful transparent epoxy resin components.

"These elements were made using moulds of the original pieces.

"Its construction consists of wood, dyed epoxy resin and stainless steel reinforcement rods."

Student: Leo Sotiri
Course: BA Product Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2266999[at]uel.ac.uk


An orange wooden side table with a stacked spherical structure.

Curvatura by Millie Lawrence

"Curvatura blends space-saving elegance with sustainable design.

"The design seamlessly incorporates upcycled wood into a modular masterpiece that embodies both functionality and artistic flair.

"The table is constructed with ceramics and ebony whilst incorporating re-purposed teak and beech wood."

Student: Millie Lawrence
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2127854[at]uel.ac.uk


Person handling a blue metal side table with wooden legs.

Diode Blue by Natalia Sobon

"Diode Blue is a vibrant piece that repurposes an old and crumpled oil drum, coating it with colour and character.

"The piece uses an upcycled oil drum, epoxy resin, recycled wooden dowels and spray paint."

Student: Natalia Sobon
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2267000[at]uel.ac.uk


Person handling a side table with red, white and blue tabletops and a metal structure made from stool legs.

De Tafel by Thomas Manley

"De Tafel (translated from Dutch as 'The Table') is a sculptural homage to the heroes of early modernist furniture design.

"It marries a playful form with resolute functionality, including a bookshelf and adjustable houseplant table."

"The table's assembly consists of stainless steel tube, upcycled from stool legs, mild steel tube and pigmented jesmonite."

Student: Thomas Manley
Course: BA Interior Architecture
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2639274[at]uel.ac.uk


Person sitting next to a table series composed of circular shapes in grey, beige and brown.

PacTable by Simona Dilyte

"Constructed using recycled wood, a blend of plaster and sand, wooden dowels and wood stain, the PacTable incorporates shapes inspired by the iconic game Pacman.

"With creatively arranged wooden pieces that fit seamlessly onto its base, it offers additional functionality as a shelf for storing items like books and phones."

Student: Simona Dilyte
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2153491[at]uel.ac.uk


Person handling a white side table with varying circular and diagonal shapes on a white floor.

The Print by Alfie Storer

"The Print embodies a mesmerising symphony of geometry, with angular facets and sinuous curves converging to form a strikingly contemporary centrepiece.

"Exuding both sophistication and innovation, it is made from reclaimed teak, recycled plastic, epoxy resin and 3D printed PLA."

Student: Alfie Storer
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2035570[at]uel.ac.uk


Person holding a side table with shells set in resin.

SEA on the Table by Daniela Plesea

"Recreating the crystalline splendour of the sea and its wildlife, this project references the experience of collecting shells from the beach.

"Different elements of its design are given new life; the wooden leg derived from adjoined candlesticks, the top originally a drinks tray, and the resin base incorporating shells into its appearance.

"Made from wood, metal, epoxy resin and different varieties of shells and sea stars, the table is additionally embellished with paint that gives the effect of sand."

Student: Daniela Plesea
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala, Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2174299[at]uel.ac.uk


A triangular shaped wooden side table with geometric patterns in red, yellow and brown tones, placed on gravel.

X Babe by Tonisha Lee-Harvey

"Crafted from reclaimed plywood, vibrant wood veneer and dyed card, X Babe invites you into a world of intricate artistry.

"Delve into the mesmerising depths of its design, where varied layers of plywood converge in a stunning tessellation, revealed beneath the surface of the tabletop."

Student: Tonisha Lee-Harvey
Course: BA Interior Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2144853[at]uel.ac.uk


A side table with a square shaped cork tabletop and a diagonally shaped white base.

Elevated Square by Noman Nadeem

"Elevated Square is a unique minimalist side table designed to complement any living space, offering both functionality and stylish appearance.

"Made from herculite plaster, cork, glass and bent steel, this piece combines upcycled materials with an original design."

Student: Noman Nadeem
Course: BA Product Design
Tutors: Pol Gallagher, Keith Winter, Philippe Murphy, Andy Wright, Raivati Dandiwala and Susan Ginsburgh
Email: u2208005[at]uel.ac.uk

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the University of East London. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.