Eames Storage Unit (ESU)

Charles Eames and his wife Ray were among the most important industrial designers of the 20th century. This storage unit epitomizes the Eameses' goal for most of their work-to design mass-produced furnishings that were beautiful and affordable to the average consumer. The Eames Storage Units (ESU) were a system of lightweight modular cabinets and desks with prefabricated, interchangeable parts: shelves, perforated metal backs, panels, and sliding doors and drawers, all in various materials and color combinations. No attempt was made to conceal the structural elements. To simplify shipping, this cabinet with steel-angle corner legs was originally conceived as knockdown furniture. Design as the rearrangement of industrial parts was a constant that the Eameses executed in varying scales throughout their work: in concept and aesthetic this unit is a small-scale version of their famous 1949 Case Study house in Pacific Palisades, California.