Sum of its Parts

Alone, each element doesn't make much aesthetic or conceptual sense. Assembled, the group creates a considerable visual impact. Here are a few examples of modular systems that really pack a punch. 

Designed by the Bouroullec brothers, these faceted fabric tiles join to create large nebulous masses, organically covering walls, acting as partitions and defining spaces.

Like a party-girl standing in front of a fan, the Wind Portal at SFO airport BART’s tiny sequins shimmer in unison at the slightest breeze. Who says BART isn’t the glitziest way to travel?

How many clocks does it take to tell the time? According to design studio ‘Humans since 1982’: 576.

‘Algues’ by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra comprises of thin, branch-like plastic pieces which create rich seaweed-like curtains that can be used as room dividers or wall coverings (or the stage curtain for a school production of ‘the Little Mermaid’)

60,000 optic rods were used to create this sea-urchin effect on the outer surface of the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010, drawing light in during the day, and out in the evening. Each rod contained plant seeds at its tip, and was distributed to Chinese and UK schools after the structure was dismantled. 

Philips Lumiblade has partnered with numerous designers to come up with installations using OLED modules. ‘Mimosa’ by Jason Bruges Studio (pictured above) has come up with an animated flower-patch of light panels, which responds to hand movements above it.

 Jaime Hayon’s ‘Elements’ are strangely shaped pieces that each have a function within the home, but only truly make sense in a totem-like pile with their other strangely shaped counter-parts.

Charles Sowers’ ‘Windswept’ installation comprises of 612 blade-shaped weathervanes that bring to light the surprising wind patterns swirling around the surface of San Francisco’s Randall museum.

Konnex by Florian Gross is a modular bookshelf composed of interlocking cubes, with a very modern graphic quality somewhere in between a Malevich, a Mondrian and the opening credits of ‘Funny Face’.

Shigeru Ban’s 10-unit system is entirely constituted of slightly curved L-shaped pieces, which are attached in different directions to create chairs, benches, tables, etc. The pieces can even be lined up in endless undulating benches, like a solitaire kill screen.

by Claire Toussaint