USM UK will be closed from 25 December and will reopen on 2 January 2025.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Adaptations: a design experiment

Curated by London sales partners Aram, this concept came from a visit to the USM factory in Switzerland, where engineers adapt USM to create bespoke pieces for their day-to-day work. The resulting pieces are unpretentious and highly functional.

Aram challenged ten UK-based creatives an open brief to design a piece for their practice or home life which deviates from the conventional applications of the original USM Haller system. The exhibitors come from a variety of disciplines: architecture, art, textiles, interiors and product design. Many exhibitors’ creative practice extends beyond those fields. Variety was crucial, as Aram aimed to present a show of engaging and personal designs that demonstrate the qualities of USM, even when pushed beyond its limits by the creativity of the ten exhibitors.

 

While some participants were already familiar with USM, others began from scratch. The system is both beautifully simple and highly complex at the same time – and each reinterpreted solution reflects this duality. Some have made slight modifications and stayed closed to the intention of USM, while others have placed their piece in an entirely new context or pushed far beyond its intended usage. In the designs, you'll find custom upholstery, surface textures and cuts, atypical hardware and light bulbs, and new materials such as thread, linen, canvas, wood and paper. Each process, fixing or material added with consideration and purpose.

Free entry at Aram Gallery

110 Drury Lane, London

WC2B 5SG


Monday – Saturday

10:00 – 18:00


Exhibiting now until

Saturday 14 December 2024

01. Livia Lauber

02. Jennifer Dyne

03. Issi Nanabeyin

04. Mitre and Mondays

05. Studio Rhonda

06. David Searcy

07. Si Hyun Park

08. Kengo Horikoshi

09. Mair Cook

10. Holly Rollins

 

 

Photography: Jack Orton

 

Feeling inspired? Use our online configurator to design your individual piece.

Explore a quick-ship selection of curated USM pieces in our online shop or get professional advice from one of our local sales partner.

You can also visit our USM showroom in London.