Ulm Multifunctional Stool

Designer: Max Bill

Max Bill (1908-1994) was a prolific architect, graphic designer and sculptor. Born over a century ago, he was first a silversmith. Chancing a lecture by LeCorbusier, Max Bill was inspired to study architecture. As a student at the Bauhaus and practitioner of the modern style, he balanced free and applied arts, philosophical thinking and practical application. A champion of the sans serif script, Max Bill was also a publicist, designing letterhead, logos and posters. He taught art and design by emphasizing studio practice and encouraging artists to apply their ideas to the manufacturing industry.

From 1944 onwards he was active as a product designer. He founded and built a college of design at Ulm which influenced German post-war designers including Dieter Rams. It was during this period that Max Bill undertook a more philosophical study of time and his 1957 Wall clock and 1962 Chronoscope are culminations of this work. Later in life, he explored sculpture and painting, became a member of the Swiss parliament and continued his passion of teaching environmental design. Max Bill's life bridged every decade of the 20th century and left a holistic mark in the important years of modern Swiss and international design.