Designer and Architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi has designed an ingenious system of modular shelves made from movable wooden bars placed on a metal rod creating a dynamic structure that can change to fit a fast and always changing pace of daily life. According to the designer, the specificity of GATE, in addition to its variable dimensions, lies in its dynamic instantaneous transformation.

The shelves are made of solid ash blades and can be operated with a single touch, a system of magnets allowing them to stay in a vertical position. Lowered or folded as needed, they come in five widths and two depths. GATE is memorable because of its adaptability, its powerful character and its sharp aesthetics, making it a striking element in every interior.

“The GATE furniture system is a bright example of form that can be dynamically transformed into various functional zones. It can be used as a wardrobe or a furniture ensemble for the living room. It can function as a dressing table or to be a part of the home office. As such, the system perfectly complements cafes, restaurants, bars. The system is not only an aesthetic dominant of your space, but also a multi-functional basis of your interior,” said Zakharchenko-Halytskyi.

The shelves are formed of wooden bars slotted onto a metal rod that allows them to pivot up or down. Horizontal metal profiles complete the structural frame of the wall- mounted system. Circular magnets recessed into the wooden sections snap onto the metal bars when the shelf units are flipped into the vertical position. This enables them to be locked out of the way when not in use, but also easily folded down by gently touching the ends.

The shelf units come in five widths and two depths to suit different spaces and applications. There is also the possibility to specify various add-ons, such as mirrors, storage boxes and surfaces to create a desk or dressing table. As a consequence of its variable configuration, the system can be used as a wardrobe with space for hanging clothes. It can also provide a storage solution for the kitchen or living room, in addition to serving as a versatile workspace solution.

Zakharchenko-Halytskyi wanted to create a product that is universally suitable for people with diverse abilities. The design’s simplicity of use and flexibility is intended to make it easy for anyone to understand and adapt to their specific requirements. Braille symbols can also be added to the ends of the wooden bars to assist the visually impaired. This focus on accessibility earned the product a special diploma from the United Nations Development Programme, which supports inclusive design as part of its remit.