Evolution of a classic: studimo

With its delicate appearance, floating fronts and technical finesses, the shelf system embodies an altered perception of living. Shoulder to shoulder with all the things we love.

What takes place of its own accord in nature requires three things when it comes to a piece of furniture: an ingenious shape, an innovative design and a manufacturer who combines the two. The way to do this successfully is demonstrated by the further development of studimo, designed by team form ag. In 2011, the shelf system is appearing for the first time with overlying fronts in order to create homogeneous murals without interruptions. Double swinging doors and special cable ducts discreetly integrate large TV control panels (optionally with LED back-lighting). A new control frame with a mounting plate also integrates "floating" flat screens into the environment of closed and open studimo elements. A wide variety of materials – veneers, matt lacquer, gloss lacquer and glass – is available for their design. "The perception of shelves as 'display cases' is outdated," says Karl Odermatt of team form, "home life is no longer limited to a fixed framework. We design more and restrict less."

Not complicated, just well thought through
Thirteen years after the introduction of the continuous wardrobe, the manufacturer and designer wondered: "What must a modern shelf system be capable of?" In 1976, the idea emerged of a universally deployable system with a sturdy design which would effortlessly withstand moves or extensions. For its realisation, side walls, shelves and covers were developed, as well as new fittings: for the first time, the shelves were not simply laid in place, but attached firmly to the lateral supports. This design principle made studimo mobile from the word go. To this day, it can take on any form you give it. "It is something new every time," says Odermatt, "its most important design characteristic? A construction kit provides for all possibilities. System furniture is not complicated, just well thought through."

Variation rather than adaptation
The renaissance of rustic wood has passed studimo by. "If it doesn't fit the character of a piece of furniture, we do not change it," confirms Leo Lübke, who has managed the company since 2006. "This guiding principle sounds wayward, but that's what makes us authentic." In the course of time, studimo has grown. Today it can be built as high and as wide as its planners wish it to be. It is integrated precisely into existing architecture as a large system. It stands as an individual piece, lowboard or sideboard in the middle of the room or it floats by the wall. Restraint is called for only when choosing colours: "First and foremost, a piece of furniture should provide benefits, and not make the room smaller," says Odermatt. "The things we live with bring their own colours into play."
e-book beside first edition

e-book neben Erstausgabe
The book of life has many pages. So does our home life. Books, CDs, MPEGs next to vinyl, full-scale home theatre at the touch of a button – all these things are supposed to be available whenever we want them, but not put on display. "How do the media get inside, we asked ourselves," Odermatt recalls, "huge devices that then became slimmer and slimmer." Anyone studying the catalogues of the past 35 years (interlübke was the first German manufacturer to establish furniture photography) will experience the progress of media: AV technologies yield to digital media, living and working areas merge, a library contains both printed and electronic books. In the 21st century, many people concern themselves with the balance between life and work. With a furniture classic this relationship is well balanced: we have to work on it and let it live.