Arhus: A Modern-Retro Art Bookcase

A Functional and Interactive Piece of Furniture

Inspired by the cubism movement and the vibrant colors of the 60's, Arhus stands out with its unique features. The bookcase features three sliding doors that can be customized with different glass colors. The doors are made with a wooden base and a 6mm front laminated glass, available in nine vivid colors. This allows users to choose a color that suits their taste or purpose, adding a touch of personalization to the piece.

Constructed with red oak solid wood and plywood, Arhus combines warm wood tones with a warm white finish. This versatile color scheme can be easily combined with any interior design style or color palette. The doors are built with a hidden aluminum mechanism rail inside the wood, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The mechanism also allows for easy removal and installation of the doors, making it effortless to change the color scheme whenever desired.

Measuring 1300mm W x 400mm D x 2025mm H, Arhus is designed to be both functional and visually appealing. The sliding doors cover less than one-third of the horizontal area, allowing users to adjust them according to their style, mood, or book arrangement. This interactive feature adds a playful element to the bookcase, making it a versatile and engaging piece of furniture.

The development of Arhus took 16 weeks, with a focus on finding the right fittings and sliding mechanism for the doors. The design and prototyping process took place in Merida, Yucatán, México, in a dedicated laboratory for design and innovation. Extensive research on the psychological impact of visual environments influenced the concept of Arhus, resulting in an interactive piece that allows users to slightly change the space and atmosphere at any moment.

One of the main challenges in creating Arhus was achieving the feeling of three floating structures while ensuring the necessary strength and durability. The design went through multiple engineering structure prototypes to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, efficient material usage was a priority to ensure sustainability in production.

Arhus is a modern interpretation of 60's designs, offering a constant change in the look of the bookcase. The tinted glass fronts of the sliding doors allow users to cover or display their desired collection of books or ornaments at any time. The doors are easily removable, providing a range of possibilities for arrangement and creating a fun and dynamic visual experience. The customizable colors of the tinted glass doors make Arhus a captivating piece for design enthusiasts.

Arhus has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2016. This prestigious award honors designs that showcase ingenuity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Arhus exemplifies strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.