Astrapia: A Revolution in Bookshelf Design

Moritz Proell's Award-Winning Design Redefines Book Storage

Moritz Proell's design inspiration for Astrapia came from a desire to prevent books from tipping over without the use of bookends. The organic shape of the bookshelf, inspired by the bird of paradise, Astrapia, adds a dynamic element to the design. The steel structure of the bookshelf, shaped in a similar arched way to the ribbon tail of the bird, gives the piece a distinctive appearance and lightness.

The unique properties of this design lie in its arrangement of three wooden shelves at different angles on a round, supporting structure made of six separate steel pipes. This shape eliminates the need for bookends, preventing books from tipping over. The design also includes supporting shims underneath the shelves, adding to its uniqueness. The Astrapia bookshelf serves not only as a storage unit for books but also as a room divider and a sculptural piece.

Proell's design realization technology includes a blend of craftsmanship, semi-manual technology, and CNC machines. The main construction involves bending round steel pipes into a circular shape and welding them to a solid steel base. The steel structure is then powder-coated in matt black. The wooden shelves are made of birch plywood, covered with bookmatched eucalyptus wood veneer, and lacquered with a satin matt finish.

The design process for Astrapia began in early 2021 in Linz, and the final product was released in May 2021. The bookshelf was exhibited at the event "Design District 1010" at the Vienna Hofburg in October 2021 and at the fair "SCHAU! - Die Presse" at the "Marx Halle" in Vienna in November 2021. The design was awarded the Iron A' Furniture Design Award in 2022, a prestigious accolade given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

Proell's approach to this design was to reinterpret the classic bookshelf, which usually consists of straight, horizontal, and vertical components. The design research involved finding a solution to a common problem: modern bookshelves often require bookends to prevent books from tipping over. By tilting the shelves and using thin steel pipes for the structure, Proell was able to maintain the lightness of the overall appearance and make the piece look more dynamic.

Proell faced several design challenges, including finding the right proportions and curves for the main structure, defining the angles for the radially arranged shelves, and creating custom hardware for the connecting piece between the steel structure and the wooden boards. Despite these challenges, the Astrapia bookshelf stands as a testament to Proell's innovative design approach and fine craftsmanship.