Around 2300 people die each day because they do not have access to clean water.

Last month Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID) took part in a design competition, along with more than a dozen other well known practices, to help charity Surge For Water. The competition challenged each of the entrants to create a coffee table that would go on to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at a charity gala.

AAID took home the overall winners prize, as well as the people’s choice award, with their design Beck – a flowing, topographical table. Keen that Beck be sustainable, it was constructed from Birch ply found in the workshop of the contractor who offered to make it for them.

Beck_top view_AAID_SurgeForWater

The form clearly depicts the effects of water on land, as Stuart Allen explains: “Beck’s form is inspired by biomimicry of natural potholes. Eddying currents erode and discolour rocky terrains to create these potholes transforming the topography. We visualise this as a metaphor to our society. Where seemingly contradictory cultures are in fact complimentary, achieving an equilibrium with the community following a brief state of dissonance. A coffee table creates a focal point for the communal space of a home and the articulation of Beck invites an exploration of design reflecting nature.”

The brainchild of a Dubai based designer, the competition lead to a gala evening at The Address, Dubai Marina. Inventively named Design, Dine, Donate, the evening drew a large crowd from the resident design community and raised vital funds, as well as much needed awareness for Surge For Water.

To find out more about the amazing work Surge do around the world visit Surge For Water.