marc newson designs quobus, an enameled steel bookshelf for galerie kreo

NATURALLY CURVED LINES AND A VISIBLE STRUCTURE

for the opening of its new space in london, galerie kreo is presenting a new body of work by australian designer marc newson. marking twenty years of collaboration and titled quobus, the collection sees newson explore and renew the typology of the shelf, presenting pieces in which the modular elements allow for different variations — from a small bookcase to a monumental wall installation. 

the quobus collection showcases two of marc newson’s core characteristics. first, the clear, naturally curved lines which create a drawing in space; and second, the visible structure and materiality that results in complete openness and honesty of its creation processes. from rhythm and presence, to lightness, visibility and virtuosity, the bookshelf creates a tension between full and empty while exuding a contemporary allure. 

on the ocassion of the london design festival 2021, galerie kreo is presenting quobus at its london location.

clear, naturally curved lines create a drawing in space

QUOBUS SEEMS TO BE WAITING TO HOLD BOTH BOOKS AND CURIOSITIES

quobus is the result of research initiated for the commission of a modular shelving for milan’s taschen store in 2015. with modularity at its core, the bookshelf adapts to different configurations, spaces and even personalities of the users. newson made sure the joints are visible, underlining the constructive principle where round brass screws are used to attach the modules. the curved steel sheets envisioned as a canvas feature a vitrified and colored enamel — from the graphic black and white to the pastel version, quobus seems to be waiting to hold both books and curiosities.

the bookshelf creates a tension between full and empty

‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ is the famous motto of any publisher going to a bookstore to observe the behavior of potential readers,’ comments the official release. ‘the book designer, of course, relies heavily on the book’s exterior aspect, which must best reflect the content of a publication and seduce the future buyer. but what about the vessel that displays and contains the books before and after acquisition? this is the question answered by quobus, thus reconciling through its formal and architectonic features the publisher and the graphic designer, the contemporary design enthusiast and the compulsive reader, fervently fond of thick books. because, of course, quobus is also extremely robust!’

newson made sure the joints are visible, underlining its constructive principle

modularity allows the quobus bookshelf to adapt to any space and personality

the curved steel sheets envisioned as a canvas feature a vitrified and colored enamel

brass fixation screws contrast with the panels

designer marc newson

THE DESIGN PRIZE

initiated in 2017 and curated by designboom, with patronage by the milan city council, THE DESIGN PRIZE recognizes both the extraordinary achievements and little sparks of beauty and delight that have emerged over the past 12 months. designer marc newson was awarded the lifetime achievement golden madonnina in 2017.

project info:

name: quobus

design: marc newson

producer: galerie kreo

limited edition: 8 pieces + 2 A.P + 2 prototypes

materials: enameled steel with brass fixation screws

exhibition info:

location: galerie kreo london

address: 24 cork street, W1S 3ND

date: from september 14th, 2021