02 INTRO

08 EDITOR'S LETTER

12 RETAIL
USM's modular system offers new value to the furniture market.

22 OPINION: TYLER BRULE
Tyler Brûlé, editor-in-chief of Monocle, who has close ties to USM

28 AT OFFICE
USM's modular system furniture stands out in office spaces with its distinct character.

38 AT PUBLIC PLACES
USM's timeless design blends seamlessly into a variety of public spaces, including schools, libraries, and museums.

48 OPINION: LAURENT CROCHET
Laurent Crochet, USM France representative, who promotes the value of USM to the public

54 IN MUNSINGEN
The city where the brand's philosophy took root

56 FUNCTIONALISM
The first modular furniture born in a factory with a functionalist aesthetic

64 HALLER SYSTEM
Key elements and components that make up the Haller system

72 CUSTOMIZATION
The Haller system, which embodies the user's lifestyle through expansion and transformation.

78 OPINION: RODOLPHE PARENTE
Designer Rodolphe Parant, who brings originality to spaces like USM furniture

82 AT HOME
USM users who bring their lifestyles to life in a unique way.

110 LONGEVITY
USM headquarters, reflecting the brand's essence

116 BRAND STORY
USM's growth story: Showcasing infinite possibilities through simplicity

122 DIGEST
A variety of information that can confirm the brand's philosophy and influence.
124 CONFIGURATION
Haller System Purchase Guide

126 INTERVIEW: ALEXANDER SCHARER, THOMAS DIENES, ANDREW WITTMAYER
USM's four-generation CEOs, Alexander Scherer, Product Development Director Thomas Dines, and APAC Sales Director Andrew Witmayer, discuss the brand's heritage and innovation.

134 SHOWCASE
A showroom space that encapsulates the multifaceted characteristics of modular furniture.

138 THE SWISS DESIGN
USM's functionalist aesthetics glimpsed through Swiss design

142 THE MODULARABLE CASES
The attributes of a modular furniture brand that has opened new horizons in the furniture market.

148 REFERENCES
References for exploring brand spirit

151 OUTRO

This is the eighty-sixth magazine [B].

It may seem like a long time ago, but the editorial staff of Magazine [B] have visited the brand's headquarters office countless times while producing over 80 books.
Before starting the full-scale reporting, meeting with the PR and marketing staff at the headquarters, exchanging greetings, and taking a tour of the office was like a gateway.
In a restaurant, it's like looking around the back of the kitchen rather than the hall where customers are greeted, and you often get a lot of hints during this time.
This is because the brand's vision and direction are reflected in the area where the headquarters building is located, as well as the layout and interior of the space and the way employees utilize the space.
It is not intended to judge the excellence of interior design or location.
When we look at what we take and what we don't when implementing an ideal office, we can infer that similar patterns of choice will be made in major decision-making.

If I had to pick an office that was interesting in that respect, Monocle would be the first to come to mind.
Monocle is currently based in Zurich, but at the time of reporting, five years ago, it was located in an old brick building in the Marylebone area of ​​London.
The wooden desks and chairs sized to fit the 'human scale', the large windows that bring in abundant natural light, and the small garden visible beyond the windows were impressive, but the storage furniture in the lobby and reception area, which can be considered the first impression of the building, were a suitable symbol for reading the world that Monocle was trying to create.
One of them is the 'Halle System' from modular furniture brand USM, which we will introduce in this issue.

USM's Haller system has such excellent identification.
Even without a basic knowledge of design history or a keen eye for aesthetics, it's not difficult to recognize and distinguish the Haller system.
The modular concept that allows for infinite expansion is of course a core asset of USM, but the fact that its unique impression, or design balance, remains intact even when expanded and applied from shelves to trolleys, trolleys to wardrobes, and wardrobes to desks, is a remarkable achievement of USM.
Moreover, the quality of USM, which creates an order as if it were part of a building, regardless of the size of the space or the aura it possesses, makes it seem like a complete organism rather than a simple piece of furniture.
It's to the point where one wonders, 'Will USM be able to create something that surpasses the Haller system in the future?'

USM, the party concerned, appears to be indifferent to such questions.
Those who emphasize that modules purchased 10 years ago are compatible with current modules are not interested in developing a superior product, but rather in improving and complementing an already excellent product to maintain its status quo. USM defines its modular system as sustainability, and for over 50 years, it has proven through its products that sustainability is not an empty slogan but a reality. Thomas Dines, who is responsible for product development at USM, clearly expressed the brand's position in an interview with the press.
“Sometimes you need the ability to maintain what’s already the best.” In a society obsessed with immediate achievement, their attitude is quite refreshing.

Editor-in-Chief Park Eun-seong