Two audio functions in one enclosure
The Braun SK 4 is a radio-phonograph designed by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot. MoMA dates its SK 4/10 example to 1956 and records painted metal, wood and plastic as its materials. Its white casing and transparent lid led to the nickname Snow White’s Coffin.
Making the equipment visible
The clear cover makes the relationship between enclosure and equipment an immediate part of the object. A protective outer surface also allows a view into the device. It is a specific departure from treating audio equipment as something entirely concealed by its cabinet.
What to examine
Examine the unit with the lid open and closed, then trace the sequence involved in playing a record or using the radio. Which information remains visible, and which actions require access? These questions connect the enclosure with use. They offer a stronger basis for evaluating its simplicity than describing the white surface alone as functional design.