Gere: A Multifunctional Crockery Shelf

Combining Form and Function in Kitchen Storage

The inspiration for Gere came from small kitchen spaces with large shelves filled with round plates that left unused space. Beser's focus was to create a crockery shelf that would be as small as needed for people living in compact housing. The result is a design that not only saves space but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen or dining room.

What sets Gere apart is its combination of shelf and plates. The relief-like front of the shelf is created using the plates themselves, freeing up interior space for storing more crockery, cups, glasses, and other kitchen essentials. The grid-like structure of Gere allows for scalable sizes, making it suitable for both single households and larger families.

The realization of Gere involved careful consideration of material properties. The shelf is made of oak wood, chosen for its local availability, sturdiness, and resistance to water. The plates, on the other hand, were conceptualized using 3D graphic software and then 3D printed. The resulting objects were translated into plaster molds and finally cast in porcelain, creating durable and visually appealing crockery.

Gere's specifications include plates measuring 240mm x 240mm x 20mm and a prototype shelf measuring 1200mm x 200mm x 1300mm. However, the size of the shelf can be personalized to suit individual needs and preferences.

When it comes to functionality, Gere is designed to be hung on the wall in the kitchen or dining room. Individual rows of plates can be folded down to access stored items or remove a plate from the front. The segmented plates allow for separate placement of main courses and side dishes, making transportation easy. In addition to the storage space in the front, the shelves behind offer additional storage for crockery, cups, glasses, and more. The modular nature of the crockery set allows for expansion and customization based on occasion or personal preferences.

The Gere project began in early summer 2020 in Aachen and was completed in September 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Beser overcame restrictions on workshop usage and material procurement. Iterations, new processing techniques such as working with a CNC milling machine, and calculations of material properties were all part of the design process.

Gere has garnered recognition for its innovative design. In 2023, it was awarded the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award, which celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements. This accolade highlights Gere's ability to seamlessly blend art, science, design, and technology to make the world a better place.

With Gere, Florian Beser has created a multifunctional crockery shelf that not only optimizes space but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen or dining room. Its unique combination of form and function, along with its modular expandability, make it a standout piece for those seeking innovative and practical design solutions.