University of Zagreb
Faculty of Architecture
School of Design
6th semester
Mentor: prof. Mladen Orešić
Assistent: doc. Sanja Bencetić, doc. Ivana Fabrio
The Neplus system was created by reevaluating the values of material possession in exchange for an eco-friendlier product and lifestyle simplification. The name Neplus was chosen inspired by the Latin phrase “Ne plus ultra”, meaning “Nothing more than this”. Through research it was decided that the ecological aspect applied to the product should not be based on constant recycling in favor of just buying more and more new products, but extending a single system’s life cycle and making it relevant to the user’s changing needs.
The system consists of an unconventional combination of products bringing the ideas of asceticism and minimalist lifestyle from the Shaker peg rail system used in the 17th century. It is a firm combination of traditional minimalist philosophy with relevant needs of today. For example, in order to give the user a subtle nudge to eliminate the unnecessary from it’s life, the system offers no shelves, but instead, a set of boxes, therefore not allowing exhibiting decorative objects, only storing the useful ones. A series of objects finds it’s place on the wall hanging by pegs and free to move anywhere on the board. In order to expand the minimalist approach to other aspects of life, two of the objects, the bag and the bulletin board/folder, are also used outside of the living space.
Neplus system works in a way to fulfill the needs of the user that the user refuses to give any special attention, such as storage or hanging clothes, creating an emotional bond as a loyal object of high functionality. The usage of the system can be limited to a single wall, a room or entire home. This systems ideal habitat would be student homes or smaller flats in need of extra space or minimalist homes whose most needs can be met by using such a system. It is also open for addition of new elements, and currently consists of: wall carriers and the base board, pegs in different sizes, folding boxes in two sizes, mirror frame of adaptable size, a lamp, a bag, a folder/ bulletin board and a clothes dryer/ storage.
