Gae Aulenti Tour Table in a room

Gae Aulenti was one of the few women in 1950s and 1960s Europe to gain notoriety as an architect and designer. One of her most fascinating and recognizable creations is the Tour Table, a glass table that is equal parts useful home object and sensational art piece.

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Gae Aulenti Tour Table glass top

Aulenti’s Tour Table features four rotating bicycle tire casters. The half-inch glass top gives a full view of the unusual base, letting you watch the tires rotate or simply enjoying the graceful shapes.

Gae Aulenti Tour Table upcycled

Designed in 1993, the Tour Table was one of Aulenti’s later works. Perhaps the rolling design represents a commentary on the rushed, always-moving lifestyles we have accepted in the modern world.

Whether it is meant to be seen as a work of art or a functional dining table, the Tour Table is an incredible piece of design. It has earned a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and it has earned Gae Aulenti permanent status as an influential and talented designer.

Gae Aulenti Tour Table in a room profile

Via Hive Modern, where you can buy this piece for about $10,000:

“One of the most unique tables around. The Tour table features a base consisting of four pivoting rubber wheels holding a .6″ glass top. Each of the wheels are fixed to the top by four stainless steel plates and chromium-plated brackets. A definite conversation piece in any environment.”

“After Ms. Aulenti was awarded with her degree in 1953, she worked for the Italian magazine helmed by Ernesto Rogers, Casabella-Continuita. Since 1956, the year she started working in Milan, Ms. Aulenti’s job descriptions have included architectural planning, interiors and scenography designing. Later, while working with the Muse’Orsay and the new Mus National dart Moderne section, Gea Aulenti was put in charge of renovations as well as the staging of many other temporary exhibits. She has received a number of awards and has designed many products for FontanaArte.”