The concept behind Adaptations, which has been developed in partnership with USM Modular Furniture, came from a visit to the company’s factory and headquarters in Switzerland, where the engineers have adapted or intervened with the USM Haller system to create bespoke pieces that aid them in their day-to-day work. The resulting pieces are unselfconscious pieces of functional design.

Inspired, we set 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. In fact, many exhibitors’ creative practice extends beyond those fields. Variety was important as with three key themes of function, deviation and narrative, we wanted to present a show of engaging and personal designs which demonstrate the qualities of USM Haller even when it is pushed beyond its limit by the creativity of our ten exhibitors.

While some participants were already familiar with USM Haller, others began from scratch. The system is both beautifully simple and highly complex at the same time – and each of the reinterpreted solutions reflect this duality. Some have made only slight modifications and stayed closed to the intention of USM Haller, some have placed their piece in an entirely new context, and others have pushed far beyond its intended usage. In the designs we 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.

Works by:

• David Searcy
• Holly Rollins
• Issi Nanabeyin
• Jennifer Dyne
• Kengo Horikoshi
• Livia Lauber
• Mair Cook
• Mitre and Mondays
• Studio Rhonda
• Si Hyun Park

Friday 08 November – Saturday 14 December 2024
Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00