Between the Evolution Door from Klemens Torggler to the Fletcher Capstan Table from Fletcher Burwell-Taylor, kinetic furniture designs have been slowly finding their way into the mainstream thanks to their mesmerizing shape-shifting characteristics that are the result of some tedious engineering.

More recently, New York-based kinetic artist Ian Stell has created what is likely to be one of the more useful kinetic designs for those living in small urban dwellings: a shape-shifting coffee table design that is based on the accordion motion of a pantograph.

To create the hinged lattice system for his Sinan table, Stell started by mapping out the internal lattice pattern using a 3D model in order to simulate the table in its full range of motion. From here, he was able to take precise measurements for each of the interlocking hinges before machining the table out of oak slats that are joined with brass rods and created with a tolerance of 0.005.

“Mutability in a piece of furniture should serve a purpose, but the act of transformation should be a kind of dance.”

Be sure to check out the rest of Stell’s impressive portfolio kinetic design over at IanStell.com.