We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Olga Shchukina about their original and creative Universal Interior System design work. Olga Shchukina is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original universal interior system works.
Olga Shchukina ("OS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Elements Universal Interior System. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
OS : The design is based on versatility and environmental friendliness. We wanted to create a system that could fit into any room for its intended purpose. At the same time, it should not crush the visual ecology of the space.
OS : The "Elements" system is suitable for all spaces and styles thanks to its simple shapes and familiar materials.
OS : The WUD (Wood Unique Design) company is already produces the system in Russia. The module manufactured and exhibited in the showroom, we are establishing contacts with sellers. Of course, It is very desirable to complete every home with the such a convenient system. We will promote the product as much as possible, and the Award is a good assistant for it!
OS : The first ideas and samples appeared quite a long time ago as part of an individual project back in 2016. In 2020, we began to think about it as a concept and a more like a universal system, standardize the dimensions and select fasteners that are invisible. So in 2020-2022 it turned into a full-fledged serial product.
OS : We worked with an individual interior, where a very spacious wardrobe had to be assembled in a small room. So the idea was born and tested for the first time. The experience turned out to be very successful, and the principle and design were in demand among other customers. Therefore, it was a very natural transition from a craft to a design product.
OS : Our design is being produced by our own company WUD (wood unique design). But we would like to find a partnership to export the product to Europe and the USA or find a partner to manufacture it under license.
OS : We have been designing interiors for more than 15 years. In 2015, we opened a carpentry manufactory to complete our own interior projects with individual interior items. We at WUD are sure that when interior items and furniture are created by the same talented hand of an architect and a manufacturer, it turns out not just a beautiful, but a harmonious interior with furniture that perfectly match each other.
OS : At the root, this design is quite simple and resembles many designs of shelving 50-70s
OS : The best contribution to the distribution can be made by studios, involved in interior design. But also customers who are engaged in the arrangement of their own home can purchase a product from the website or showrooms.
OS : What distinguishes it from classical wardrobe furniture, is the absence of blind partitions. A system without doors allows for an immediate view and quick retrieval as well as space where light can flow freely. Sure, there are many modern storage systems on frames. The main thing that we intentionally brought into it is the replacement of metal frames with wooden ones, because we consider metal in the house inappropriate, cold and noisy. We also made fasteners invisible to the eye.
OS : "Elements" is a name that speaks for itself. After all, the base is a constructor that can be supplemented with elements at its discretion.
OS : We used all the design tools. Starting from hand sketches and mock-ups, ending with the manufacture of the product and testing it in real conditions.
OS : Besides providing free access to clothes and shoes the open structure showcases your belongings to create a space that looks like your own personal boutique. The production is based on the aesthetic principles of sustainability and has a well-thought-out concept for installation.
OS : We create our projects from the very first step on our own. It is a great advantage when you have your own well-equipped experimental workshop in your hands.
OS : Thanks to the perfect connection of the parts at an angle of 45 degrees, the design looks elegant with an accentuated pure geometry. All elements are supplied full ready for installation, so the assembly does not take much time. Any element can eventually be replaced by another necessary element. There is no need to disassemble the entire system.
OS : In this project we needed a good knowledge of ergonomics and material. Many people think that wood is not as durable as metal. We calculated the weight load on one frame and it turned out that it can withstand a weight of 600 kg.
OS : The main challenge was to create connections invisible to the eye and at the same time not lose structural rigidity.
OS : When you work with a project that not only inspires you, but also has the potential for greater development, it seems be natural if you want to share it with a large audience.
OS : Systematisation. This is a fairly voluminous project consisting of a large number of details.
OS : The "Elements" system impresses with its modern language of form and function with a human-oriented design in mind. It is able to showcase your entire wardrobe at its best and act as your personal boutique!
