Aperture is a minimalist coffee table created by Belgium-based designer Davy Grosemans of ÆTHER/MASS. The Aperture table emerges as a testament to the innovative approach of design where decoration is ingeniously integrated through a process of subtraction rather than addition. This methodical removal of material not only forms the basis of the table’s aesthetic but ingeniously repurposes the excised material to construct its legs, thereby marrying ornamentation with utility in a manner that dissolves their seeming disparity. The design philosophy here elevates beyond the mere practical, hinting at a deeper, almost spiritual appreciation for the interplay between form and function.

Constructed from a solid aluminum slab, 30mm in thickness, the table undergoes a precise process of material subtraction. Utilizing waterjet technology, 32 holes are punctured through the slab, showcasing the material in its most elemental state without any external additions. This technique not only highlights the purity of the aluminum but also introduces an element of visual transparency, as the perforations allow light and space to pass through the otherwise solid structure. The finishing touches include a fine sanding of the tabletop’s top and bottom surfaces, offering a smooth contrast to the intentionally raw edges and holes that narrate the story of the table’s creation.