Wire frame shelf system

How much of a shelf do you really use? It is tempting to answer ‘the whole thing’ but really, most books and other objects would be fine with just a few strands of support rather than a whole solid surface. Giulio Parini has created a minimalist wire frame shelf system of just a few iron rods and connectors with many modular possibilities, capable of scaling up and out in any angular shape you can imagine.

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Wire frame shelf system configurations

The results of his experiments have spanned from floors to ceilings with webbed networks of lightweight and versatile wall-mounted shelving, as suited to an industrial garage as it would be to a contemporary interior.

Anyone who has played hands-on with geometric toys knows that certain configurations are internally rigid (like triangles – the basis of trusses) in any strong material (concrete, wood or metal for instance).

Wire frame shelf system shaping

Fix a few points and the rest becomes a fun interplay of formal and free-form wall decor, hardware that itself also acts as furniture – hangers, hat racks, etc… just waiting to happen.

More from Giulio Parini

“Tensor Voting is a skeletal system of iron components. It consists of iron rods in varying lengths which are slotted into fasteners, and in turn are nailed to the wall. Tensor Voting allows the user to play with varying geometrical configurations by rotating the rods and switching the location of the fasteners. It can function as a wall sculpture or a shelving system which can hold up a few items decently, such as paperbacks and CD cases.”

Wire frame shelf system detail

About the designer

“I am a product designer based in Southern Switzerland. My practice is characterized by a human-centered approach. Humanity and its life style are the pillars of inspiration for my projects. I believe in Slow Design as the finest method to reach a sustainable result balancing individual, socio-cultural, and environmental needs. This is the direction towards which my expertise is employed. Here you find a short documentary about my practice.”