These Nesting Tables Offer A Fresh Take On Modular Design

Introduced at the inaugural edition of Shelter—the trending new trade show held during NYCxDesign—Woven Structures by Henry Julier explores Danish paper cord within the modular logic of USM’s Haller collection. “Since the chrome tubing creates a rigid frame, my big idea was to try and weave cord directly into the system,” Julier explains. Looking to historical precedent for inspiration, the industrial designer uncovered various takes on the concept by Marcel Breuer, Carl Auböck, and Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm. Armed with such research, Julier set about making the first prototype himself to understand the logistics of intertwining the materials. (Spoiler: Chrome is slippery!) Eventually, the collection came together as split-level, nesting, and side tables, low and high trays, and a bench, chair, and stool. Select pieces incorporate USM panels for a pop of color, and the chair and stool also come in children’s sizes. The result is an engaging marriage of opposites: handcrafted, soft, and warm with industrially precise, cool, and hard.