Designer | Producer | smow 2010 | USM Haller
The first semi-final of the 2010 (smow) designer furniture World Cup pitted not only two generations against each other but two approaches to design: Fritz Haller the classically trained Swiss linealist and Tom Dixon the warehouse party welder turned doyen of contemporary English design.
As ever Fritz Haller began with his universally acclaimed System USM Haller formation. The international success of Haller's USM Haller system is largely due to its deceptive flexibility: It looks rigid and firm, but in reality can be quickly altered to meet any demands.
Tom Dixon is however too long in the tooth to be easily taken in by Fritz Haller's approach, and it was the improbable former Habitat chief designer who made the first serious move with an excellently worked Spin candelabra. Although thrown by the unusual combination of weight and mobility Fritz Haller is a master with metal and he was able to counter with a delightful hanging file / extension door combination.
Switching tactics Dixon produced an ingenious wooden Offcut stool; an article which again seemed to have Haller beaten, the old master however recovering in the last minute to clear with a glass table top.
In the second half England brought on Jasper Morrison in the hope that the change in style would upset Fritz Haller - it didn't and late in the second half Fritz Haller demonstrated once again why his USM Haller system is so good when he effortlessly converted a lowboard L into a sideboard M for a hard fought victory.
