Partner/
USM Modular Furniture/
USM Modular Furniture presents USM NYC by Ben Ganz X PIN UP Home
USM NYC by Ben Ganz is a special collaboration between Swiss manufacturer USM Modular Furniture and New York-based design platform PIN–UP HOME. The collection is a limited edition of USM storage objects conceptualized by Swiss-born designer Ben Ganz; a first-of-its-kind multiple piece collection released by USM in collaboration with an independent designer.
The bespoke collection consists of six unique configurations, each one inspired by New York’s urban design typology and available in three limited edition powder-coated steel colors: UPTOWN BLUE, SOHO YELLOW and DOWNTOWN PINK, all in a matte-finish.
The entire USM NYC collection is outfitted with a wheeled base that extends from the center, adding an element of mobility to each design. Equipped with up to 12 casters each, the pieces easily move through space. The perforated metal panels add a further touch of lightness. A variety of storage and seating objects are on offer making innovative use of the standard USM parts and components as well as one custom element, a seat cushion, introduced by Ben Ganz.
USM NYC takes its conceptual cues directly from USM’s history as a modular system of architectural construction. The collaboration combines Fritz Haller and Paul Schärer’s modular furniture system with the vibrant spirit of New York City.
“There’s a long tradition of the skyscraper and the skyline in furniture design — I’m thinking about Paul T. Frankl’s Skyscraper bookshelves from the 1920s, which used the skyscraper as a symbol of American modernity, or Gaetano Pesce’s iconic Tramanto a New York couch, which echoed 1980s Gotham. Given that USM’s origin is so directly connected to architecture, it made sense to me to continue this legacy. And the tower is a perfect symbol of New York — where the only place to build is up.” — Ben Ganz
The collection is presented for the first-time during Design Miami 2022.
About USM/
Swiss based USM has been providing timeless modular furniture designs suitable for both home and office environments for more than 50 years. Recognized as a design classic, USM was formally accepted into The Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA) Architecture and Design collection in 2001. Created from a few basic elements, the company’s furniture offers tailor-made solutions that can be expanded or reconfigured as needed. Each furniture piece allows room for maximum versatility and creativity. To encourage long-term use, all of the USM product lines are made from high-quality materials for strength and durability to last for years.
About Ben Ganz/
Ben Ganz is the Swiss-born founder of Office Ben Ganz, a New York-based agency specializing in creative direction and object design. Ganz studied with Sheila de Bretteville at Yale School of Art, where he obtained his M.F.A in graphic design. Among his commercial clients are Anonymous, Nike, Prada, Schiaparelli, and Frank Ocean’s jewelry and accessories brand Homer. He has collaborated on books and exhibitions with artists such as Hito Steyerl and Tunji Adeniyi-Jones and he created the signage and catalogue for Julia Stoschek Collection’s most recent exhibition Worldbuilding, curated by Hans-Ulrich Obrist. Since 2020 Ganz is the art director for the architecture and design magazine PIN–UP.
About PIN-UP HOME/
PIN–UP HOME is a New York-based platform specializing in design objects and contemporary home and lifestyle accessories. Founded by Felix Burrichter, Ben Ganz, and Kristin Hrycko, PIN–UP HOME works in partnership with leading brands to create unique designs at any scale, from individual pieces to entire capsule collections. PIN–UP HOME’s mission is to provide new dynamic perspectives for home design through quality objects and innovative ideas. USM Modular Furniture is PIN–UP HOME’s inaugural partner.
