Ulminium
2024Ulminium is an aluminum furniture module that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Inspired by the Ulm Stool, it incorporates the stool's numerous uses and expands its potential into a versatile, open system.
Whether as a wardrobe, shelf, desk, table, rolling cart, sideboard, and much more, Ulminium offers numerous usage possibilities for users to explore.
The Transformation
For the further development of the Ulm Stool, it was meticulously tested and used daily to explore all its functions. The Ulm Stool is excellent as it is, yet it holds much untapped potential that this project sought to develop, a meaningful transfer of its potential into a form that preserves and solidifies its identity. Ulminium is an homage to the Ulm Stool, a declaration of love.
“It was very important to me to preserve the identity of the Ulm Stool, which lies primarily in its construction – rarely are form and function so clearly visible!”
For the further development of the Ulm Stool, it was meticulously tested and used daily to explore all its functions. The Ulm Stool is excellent as it is, yet it holds much untapped potential that this project sought to develop, a meaningful transfer of its potential into a form that preserves and solidifies its identity. Ulminium is an homage to the Ulm Stool, a declaration of love.
“It was very important to me to preserve the identity of the Ulm Stool, which lies primarily in its construction – rarely are form and function so clearly visible!”
Back to Ulm!
Building the Ulm Stool was a significant part of the design process for Ulminium. Constructing the stool provides insight into its structure and offers a glimpse into the thinking of its designers.
For the stool's production, machine use is recommended; although it can be crafted by hand, this method is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming. An original construction plan for the stool is available upon request from the HfG Archive. It includes several typewritten pages but does not contain a technical drawing.
Building the Ulm Stool was a significant part of the design process for Ulminium. Constructing the stool provides insight into its structure and offers a glimpse into the thinking of its designers.
For the stool's production, machine use is recommended; although it can be crafted by hand, this method is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming. An original construction plan for the stool is available upon request from the HfG Archive. It includes several typewritten pages but does not contain a technical drawing.
"To better understand the Ulm Stool, I spent a lot of time with it; it was my daily companion, my friend, and my helper. I quickly realized how much potential it holds."
The Battle for Ulm
Ulminium is more than just a product: it engages deeply with the identity of the Ulm Stool and the values associated with the HfG Ulm. The focus is not on a theoretical analysis of the HfG Ulm's teachings but rather on a practical exploration of the product. This is carried out in the spirit of a functional design discourse, as practiced at the HfG Ulm. The result combines functionality and discourse, making it both a product and a medium for discussion.
Ulminium is more than just a product: it engages deeply with the identity of the Ulm Stool and the values associated with the HfG Ulm. The focus is not on a theoretical analysis of the HfG Ulm's teachings but rather on a practical exploration of the product. This is carried out in the spirit of a functional design discourse, as practiced at the HfG Ulm. The result combines functionality and discourse, making it both a product and a medium for discussion.
"The task of the designer is to give the object a form that corresponds to its inner essence."
- Max Bill
- Max Bill
Democratic Design
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The design of Ulminium is conceived as an open system that can be adapted by the user, with no predefined guidelines for its use. A variety of logically placed holes allow for the combination and addition of modules, as well as the integration of components with M8 threads, making it possible to incorporate shelves. The hole spacing also enables the addition of certain IKEA products, encouraging users to explore the system while providing practical examples.
An Open System
The modularity of Ulminium allows for diverse combinations across numerous use scenarios. Thanks to its weather-resistant material properties, the system can also be used outdoors. The only limits of the system are those set by the user.
Ulm for everyone!
The modularity of Ulminium allows for diverse combinations across numerous use scenarios. Thanks to its weather-resistant material properties, the system can also be used outdoors. The only limits of the system are those set by the user.
Ulm for everyone!
In clarity, form meets its need, no frills, just purpose, thought, and deed. Where art and logic intertwine, the world is shaped by pure design.
A Love Story
The Ulm Stool is an icon of design history that does not stand out through flashy design but instead demonstrates, with its simple and understated form, how function and form can harmoniously come together and complement each other.
“For me, the Ulm Stool is a great example of good design. It's not about adhering to an old dogma but about showing what truly matters.”
The Ulm Stool is an icon of design history that does not stand out through flashy design but instead demonstrates, with its simple and understated form, how function and form can harmoniously come together and complement each other.
“For me, the Ulm Stool is a great example of good design. It's not about adhering to an old dogma but about showing what truly matters.”
