Hartz IV Moebel.com: Build More Buy Less!

Proudly declaring itself a "crowd-sourced book," Hartz IV Moebel shows you how to build your own furniture with minimal resources and cost

Berlin-based architect and rapper Van Bo Le-Mentzel is the founder of the popular Hartz IV Moebel initiative and website, whose rallying cry is "Build more! Buy less!" Hartz IV Möbel was born when Le-Mentzel registered for a weekend woodwork class. At the end of the class, he had constructed a chair; he posted the design online, dubbed it the "24-Euro Chair" and Hartz IV Möbel was born. Crowd-sourcing further ideas online, Le-Mentzel created a subculture of DIY enthusiasts, who are constructing beautiful modernist furniture at incredibly low cost. Proudly declaring itself a "crowd-sourced book," Hartz IV Moebel shows you how to build your own furniture with minimal resources and cost (Hartz IV is the name of Germany's social welfare benefit). Amateurs worldwide have followed these instructions and built a cube sofa, a "Berliner Hocker," a "24-Euro Chair" or a "100-Second Lamp." This inspirational volume offers both a practical guide and manifesto for affordable furniture.