Swedish multimedia artist and designer Love Hautén made the one-of-a-kind MTC2401 storage cabinet, a furniture piece that was modeled after the IBM 2401, an archaic digital storage device. Part art piece and part functioning piece of furniture, the storage cabinet has three shelves and is set on rolling wheels for easy positioning.
Atop the shelves sits the recreated IBM 2401, recolored in a nostalgic red and blue scheme that is reminiscent of color-blocked pop art. The retro machine features a blinking LED display and interactive controller that can power it on and off and change the behavior of the faux Magnetic Tape Unit.
The MTC2401 storage cabinet brings together classic computer technology with a modern design and contemporary esthetic. Love Hautén handcrafts all of the works in his shop and fulfills custom requests made to order specifications.
Nostalgic IBM Storage Cabinets
Digital History Meets Modern Design in the MTC2401 Storage Cabinet
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgia-inspired Furniture - There is a growing trend in the market for furniture designs that evoke nostalgia, prompting makers to re-create iconic technologies and gadgets into functional home décor pieces.
2. Retro-tech Art Pieces - Art installations are featuring more digitized works inspired by vintage computer technology, driven by the continued interest in preserving history through design.
3. Functional Art in Home Decor - There's a continued interest in functional art that serves dual purposes, such as home decors that double as storage, interior decoration pieces that function as seating or tables, and other creative uses.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Furniture makers can capitalize on the nostalgia market by creating designs that pull from vintage tech and gadgets, adding functional features that make these iconic pieces into modern pieces of furniture.
2. Interior Design and Art - Interior designers and art collectors can incorporate retro-tech art pieces into modern industrial designs, bridging gaps between the past and present in creative and innovative ways.
3. Custom Handcrafted Art - Artists and designers that specialize in crafting unique and custom handcrafted pieces can capitalize on this trend by fulfilling custom orders for nostalgic pieces that double as functional furniture and stunning art pieces.