These metal 'Collage' tables are the latest design from Alain Gilles for Bonaldo, and they'll be on show for the first time next month at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.

The modular sofa tables are inspired by the rather charming concept of memories; in particular, vivid memories of odd shapes spotted in unusual places.

These existing, recycled shapes gave Gilles the idea, and a chance sighting has resulted in furniture pieces full of movement and new functionalities.

"It is the persisting image of an awkward collection of frameless mirrors of various sizes and obviously belonging to different eras that caught my eyes on a flea market and eventually gave birth to this collage of tables." says the designer.

Just like a 'collage' art piece, Gilles assembled these fragments of mental images, and reassembled them in order to generate a new entity with new function.

In some versions, the concept of collage is further emphasised with the use of different colours and materials (such as brass) per 'module'.

All but one of the tables are linked, and in a way, constrained in their movement. The centre point is the circular top table that serves as the link and articulation to three other tables that can partially gravitate around it in order to be positioned according to the needs and desire of the users.

This circular table can also swivel around so everyone can for instance, conveniently help himself to a piece of pie or a cup of tea.

There is also an extra loose table that can be positioned anywhere and completely redefine the architecture of this aggregated sofa table from a elongated shape to a square-like shape depending on the length of the sofa and its relationship with other seats in the room.

United by connection, interconnection and a certain visual fragility or lightness - we think this is a great concept for any place where an ever-changing number of people want to meet together.

Take a little look at a video explaining how it all works here.