As the world slowly reopens after the coronavirus lockdowns, designers, architects and local authorities are conceptualising avant-garde ways to help people socialise and enjoy sports once again. One such project, called ‘ArtTables’, was recently installed in London, United Kingdom. ArtTables is a series of eight distinctive ping pong tables by Art of Ping Pong in collaboration with British design firm, Campbell Hay. Inspired by the theme of opposing states, the graphics designed by Campbell Hay capture the dynamic nature and signature moves of ping pong. With the use of Instagram filters, the typographic tables are further brought to life through animation and augmented reality. The striking ArtTables collection celebrates the game of ping pong by showcasing the movement of the ping pong balls in an awe-inspiring manner.

Art of Ping Pong is a company, which is focused on the creation of ping pong related products, events and collaborations. Campbell Hay is a London-based multidisciplinary brand consultancy founded by Elly Campbell and Charlie Hay. Campbell Hay works in partnership with their clients to uncover insights and develop narratives that are brought to life with precision and imagination. In the case of these ping pong tables as well, the brand consultancy has conceptualised a memorable and intelligent way to delight and surprise audiences. By using quirky designs and augmented reality, the agency hopes to spark the imagination of guests and help them celebrate their love for ping pong.

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The ArtTables have been installed at Islington Square, a neighbourhood development in the heart of one of London’s most diverse boroughs. Two of the eight tables have been permanently installed as part of the public realm, while six smaller tables are displayed in a gallery setting at Islington Square when not in use. Through vibrant colours, bold and animated typography, the designs express the joy of the game. Additionally, through augmented reality, viewers can watch ping pong balls bounce, smash and block.

Furthermore, the aim of these one-of-a-kind ping pong tables is to revive and reactivate the public space with design and sport post the COVID-19 lockdown. The goal is for visitors to unwind and reconnect with their friends and family while playing ping pong or watching the tables come to life through augmented reality. “The opportunity to use design and ping pong to bring people back together after the year of social distancing we have been through was such a unique one. We really wanted to see how far we could push the concept,” mentions Charlie Hay, Creative Director at Campbell Hay.

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The artwork on the ping pong tables draws inspiration from the game of ping pong, the motion of the ping pong balls and from the sportsmen and women who meticulously perfect their movements to train and excel in the game. “It was exciting and challenging as it’s not everyday that we get to design graphics for ping pong tables. For each table we explored a different design solution that expressed the theme. The addition of augmented reality brings the tables to life and captures the energy of ping pong,” adds Wai Ming Ng, Design Lead at Campbell Hay.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with the super talented team at Campbell Hay. We love their designs and the addition of the augmented reality feature was a really clever and unexpected touch. Giving our ‘ArtTables’ a new life in the digital world is so much fun!” concludes Algy Batten, founder of Art of Ping Pong.

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