02 INTRO

08 EDITOR"S LETTER
12 RETAIL
Modular furniture that opened up new horizons

22 OPINION: TYLER BR?L?
The Monocle editor-in-chief maintains close ties with USM

28 IN OFFICES
The USM modular system makes a big splash in workplaces

38 IN PUBLIC PLACES
USM’s timeless design blends seamlessly into public spaces like schools, libraries, and museums

48 OPINION: LAURENT CROCHET
Head of USM France strives to deliver the brand’s values to the public

54 IN M?NSINGEN
The city where the Swiss furniture brand’s philosophy took root

56 FUNCTIONALISM
Introducing the first modular furniture, born in a factory that values aesthetic functionalism

64 HALLER SYSTEM
Key elements and accessories that comprise the Haller modular system

72 CUSTOMIZATION
USM’s extensibility and reconfiguration make the units highly responsive to individual needs

78 OPINION: RODOLPHE PARENTE
Designer Rodolphe Parente adds distinctive character to space, just like USM furniture

82 IN HOMES
Loyal USM customers use space as a canvas for expressing their unique lifestyles

110 LONGEVITY
The USM headquarters epitomizes the brand’s key values

116 BRAND STORY
USM’s growth story paves the way to indefinite design possibilities through simplicity

122 DIGEST
Data that proves the brand’s business identity and profound influence

124 CONFIGURATION
Customer reviews of the Haller modular system

126 INTERVIEW: ALEXANDER SCHAERER, THOMAS DIENES, ANDREW WITTMAYER
USM’s fourth CEO Alexander Schaerer, Product Development Director Thomas Dienes, and Sales Director Asia Pacific Andrew Wittmayer talk about the brand’s tradition and innovation

134 SHOWCASE
A glimpse at showrooms embodying the multiple-layered feature of modular furniture

138 SWISS DESIGN
USM’s functional aesthetics examined in terms of Swiss design

142 CASES OF MODULARITY
Characteristics of the USM modular system that present new value to the market

148 REFERENCES
Books, videos, and websites that explore the brand’s identity

151 OUTRO