More Is Different: A Sustainable and Innovative Bookshelf Design

Combining Carpentry Knowledge with Contemporary Design

Yves-Marie Geffroy, a renowned designer, has created a bookshelf design that is both simple and sustainable. Inspired by the need to accommodate a growing collection of books, Geffroy approached the project from a carpenter's perspective, focusing on weight distribution and choosing sections and angles accordingly.

The uniqueness of the "More Is Different" (M.I.D) bookshelf lies in its ability to retrieve and store books in a completely new way. Despite using less material, this design is more resistant and durable than standard bookshelves. Each book stands alone without the need for support from others, making it easier to arrange them by groups and keep them organized. Additionally, the structure allows for the display or hiding of accessories such as labels, lighting, and wiring.

The realization of this design involved calculations similar to those used in carpentry. Geffroy carefully considered the weight of the books, dimensions, and the structure's resistance. The bookshelf features sleepers that hold the books, horizontal sleepers acting as battens, and two sides resembling posts. The entire framework is held together by eight wooden pegs, adding a discreet reminder of the original concept.

With a width of 395 mm, depth of 1,500 mm, and height of 1,940 mm, the M.I.D bookshelf is designed to optimize book storage. The purlins are slightly tilted towards the bottom, while the battens are tilted towards the top, ensuring books are held securely in place.

Using the M.I.D bookshelf is a unique experience. Each book can stand alone or be grouped without relying on support from other books. This design allows for easy organization, making it natural to retrieve a specific novel. Furthermore, the reduced surface area of the bookshelf requires less cleaning.

The project started in April 2016 in Rennes, France. After several iterations, a prototype was completed in October. The model was then re-designed and re-worked in digital 3D. Geffroy's research for this design stemmed from his desire to write books but lacking space in his bookcase. The challenge now lies in promoting the M.I.D bookshelf to finalize production development with a fully invested enterprise.

More Is Different (M.I.D) is a timeless design that combines the ancestral knowledge of carpentry with contemporary design principles. It offers a new perspective on bookshelf usage, without compromising functionality, aesthetics, resistance, or sustainability. This unexpected experiment in design is a testament to Geffroy's creativity and ingenuity.

Image Credits: Yves-Marie Geffroy (Conception, creator, photographer, illustrator)

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights EUIPO 003405125-0002 - belong to Yves-Marie Geffroy, 2017

Awards and Accolades: The M.I.D bookshelf design was awarded the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.