Apple tends to prefer not repurposing its products for alternative uses, particularly if it involves retaining their original function. However, it doesn’t typically object to innovative and artistic applications of its designs that are unrelated to their intended purpose. For instance, non-functional parts of old iPhones could be disassembled and framed as a piece of technological history. Similarly, empty shells of outdated Mac Pro computers could be transformed into structural art pieces, as demonstrated by a striking metal bench crafted from these components.
The early designs of Mac Pro computers have sparked controversy over the years. The cylindrical 2013 model was criticized for resembling a trash can, while the boxy 2019 version, though more traditional, earned the nickname cheese grater. Neither design is ideal for stable furniture, but the original Mac Pro, with its minimalist brushed aluminum box and tapered legs and handles, proves to be a perfect foundation for repurposing.
Created for the Manhattan clothing brand Hidden as part of a store display, the Mac Pro Bench repurposes two first-generation Mac Pro computers, stripped of their electronic components, and adds a folded aluminium plank on top. The plank’s tapered shape fits snugly between the front and back handles of the desktops, giving the impression that they were designed for this purpose. Two versions of the bench exist, one maintaining the brushed aluminum aesthetic of the Mac Pro and another coated in Hidden’s signature green motif.
While the Mac Pro Bench is not mass-produced to avoid legal issues with Apple, individuals can attempt to create their own. However, caution is advised, as the structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity of the Mac Pros in this context are unknown. The hollow legs of the desktops may not inspire confidence, and removing them might have been more practical, even at the expense of altering the original Mac Pro shape.
Nevertheless, it’s possible to reinforce the bench’s foundation to enhance its usability. Additionally, this piece of art may inspire others to explore unconventional ways of repurposing discarded desktop computers into unique and intriguing furniture designs.
Image credit: Caliper
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