Designed in 1949 by Charles and Ray Eames, Esu Storage Unit is a system of freestanding multifunctional shelves and desks. Similar to the house built at the same time by the Eames couple, these designs were adapted to the principles of industrial production: the Eames Storage Unit (ESU) and the Eames Desk Unit (EDU) are still part of the Vitra catalog today.
How can furniture designed in the 1940s be relevant in 2017? There are many reasons for this: the foresight of the designers who actually designed a flexible and modular system when these concepts were not yet popular; the adaptability to different environments, from the home to the office wherever there is room for this system; and the collaboration between Vitra and Eames Office has led to the actualization of this timeless piece of furniture with the choice of new colors and finish, in line with the original design and contemporary taste.
The success of the Eames Storage Units ESU is due to the technical features, fine manufacturing, and creative genius of Charles and Ray Eames whose philosophy continues to shape and influence contemporary design.
Ultimately, Eames Storage Units ESU is a bookcase and shelving system to go along with the EDU desk, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, built around the sum of structure, shelves and the ESU storage units in galvanized metal, lacquered panels and adjustable feet.
This system, among the classics of the Eames couple, is available in various heights, from sideboard to bookcase, and is still part of Vitra’s production.