This unusual object is the Aluminum Stool, by Rimowa and Vitra.
The German luggage manufacturer and the Swiss design furniture company collaborated to create just 1,000 of these; and while the overall look is pure Rimowa, the piece is meant to be storage furniture, not luggage. “It is almost a typology of its own,” says Christian Grosen, Vitra’s Chief Design Officer. “While the cube format might not be so practical for a suitcase, it’s ideal for sitting and storage.”
“During the design process, we decided to leave out the handles so that the stool wouldn’t closely resemble a trolley or a transport container. There is a seat cushion and the inside is also padded; we deliberately left the wheels, as they are emblematic of both furniture and suitcases. The Multiwheel system is a RIMOWA trademark, as are the grooves in the aluminium. The castors also emphasise the idea of mobility, of being on the move.”
“For us, it is before everything a product for the home – even if it obviously contains inspiration from offices and workplaces. Our first idea was a small container for the home office that could store a laptop, papers and pens. But the Aluminium Stool is adaptable, you can also use it to store records, magazines and electronics. And it’s a handy tool for the living room, bedroom or even the bathroom.”
“I like the fact that it seems a bit mysterious. You can see that it can be opened, but you don’t know what’s inside.”
