Modern is Modular: A USM Story

Today, when you think of the name USM, you're almost certain to visualize the groundbreaking Haller modular storage system with it’s iconic steel rod frame, signature ball-bearing joints and distinctly sleek, minimalist monotone panels. At least everyone on the Inform team does. Haller is a favorite of ours, used for storage in our own showrooms.

The USM Iceberg

The introduction of the Haller system left a considerable impact that can still be felt today, not just because of its timeless minimalist look, which blends seamlessly with modern office and home environments, but also because it steered modular design to the centrestage of the furniture design space. One could even argue that USM’s Haller system is a flagship of modern furniture design. However, there is much more to the USM story than meets the eye. To the surprise of many, USM has a rich history spanning 140 years, with the iconic Haller system debuting in the 1960s.

USM was founded in 1885 as a family-run ironmongery and metalworking company by Ulrich Schärer. The name USM takes it’s initials from Ulrich’s name and Münsingen, the Swiss village just outside of Bern where he was born. For the first several decades, USM specialized in window fittings before moving on to ornamental hinges and precision ironware.  

USM only ventured into the furniture industry in the 1960s. This shift was led by Paul Schärer, who joined the family business in 1962 with the intention of modernising the company. His progressive mindset to evolve the business can be accredited to his educational background in engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. 

So how did he go about undertaking this seemingly grand task? Schärer began with architect Fritz Haller, who was commissioned to design a new factory and office pavilion for USM. Haller devised a flexible steel modular construction system to easily accommodate manufacturing and industry changes. This innovative project later inspired Schärer and Haller to create modular and versatile office furniture, built around a system of steel modules rather than individual pieces, adjacent to the buildings that would house them. The cornerstone of this system was the ingenious and iconic ball joint, now synonymous with USM. 

Skip forward to today, USM’s Haller system has been solidified as an icon of modern design. In 2001, it was included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Beyond being a staple in trendy office spaces worldwide, the Haller system is also highly popular for home use and is a coveted collector’s item among interior designers and design enthusiasts alike.