UniFor, an Italian office interior specialist, and the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, laureates of the Pritzker Prize, are set to unveil their latest furniture collection, 'MTM – Made to Measure,' at Milan Design Week in 2026. This collaboration brings forth a line of structurally refined pieces, highlighting the architectural principles inherent in their design. The collection's genesis can be traced back to a standing table prototype developed in 2022 for Herzog & de Meuron's Basel studio, demonstrating a thoughtful evolution of design concepts. It further builds upon modular benches crafted for the Memphis Art Museum project, slated to open in 2026. Through extensive material research and an architectural lens, 'MTM' has blossomed into an ambitious, highly functional, customizable, and scalable furniture system.
UniFor and Herzog & de Meuron Unveil 'MTM – Made to Measure' Collection
In a highly anticipated reveal at Milan Design Week 2026, the collaborative efforts of UniFor and Herzog & de Meuron will culminate in the presentation of 'MTM – Made to Measure.' The collection spans a diverse range of items, from practical benches and inviting sofas to elegant coffee tables and even a recreational table tennis table. The unifying element across all these pieces is their distinctive structural framework, built upon solid, angled frames featuring wooden components interconnected using a traditional castle joint technique. This ingenious construction method yields a robust yet visually light structure, endowing each piece with remarkably slender proportions. Its inherent adaptability allows for extensive customization in terms of length and scale, ensuring remarkable versatility. Furthermore, the consistent application of this construction philosophy throughout the collection fosters a cohesive aesthetic, regardless of the individual product's function, while simultaneously streamlining the production process.
Complementing the inherent grace of the frames, the upholstered elements of the 'MTM' collection are elegantly clad in cork leather. This material choice introduces an unexpected and appealing tactile quality, alongside remarkable durability. The architects' interest in cork was sparked during their quest for renewable material alternatives while developing furniture for the Pérez Art Museum in Miami, which opened its doors in 2013. Captivated by cork's texture, feel, and customization potential, they have since integrated it into several projects, including the forthcoming Memphis Art Museum. Beyond cork, the collection's material palette extends to include solid wood for structural components and a selection of sophisticated finishes for table tops, such as travertine, colored glass, and polished steel. Ascan Mergenthaler, a senior partner involved in the project, emphasizes the series' core strength in its versatility, stating, "It is designed – as its name suggests – to be made to measure in its actual use, physical dimensions, purpose, and material quality." He further highlights the collection's intent to foster connection and shared experiences, envisioning the pieces as catalysts for social interaction, whether around a grand dining table, a cluster of sofas, or a lively game of table tennis.