The Svolta is a simple wooden shelf system by Carlos Platz, done while studying Industrial Design at Germany's Kunsthochschule Kassel. At first blush, the shelves seem basic, normal:

"Svolta is a simple wooden shelf. Despite its light appearance, it offers unexpected stability. The construction is based on a clever and precise wooden connection system which can be applied to various shelf sizes. Its flat packable and particularly sustainable due to the simple production techniques and use of European oak. The wood is finished with a eco-friendly colourless hard oil."

"The self-developed connection enables the shelf to be assembled or dismantled by one person in just two minutes without the need for additional connecting parts or tools. It uses the form-fit principle by locking the shelf legs into the shelf boards."

Well, check out the crazy joint Platz came up with:

Okay, I've definitely never seen that one before. As for where it came from:

"Carlos got inspired by the simplicity of alpine joinery and architecture and tried to transfer this into a new furniture connection system. The outcome is Svolta (Italian for 'rotation') a shelf with a wooden connection system that can be applied and combined to shelves in different sizes and small tables. Due to its simple set-up and space saving packaging it's uncomplicated to store away and easy to move around."

Great stuff!