Scandinavian design
Related: Scandinavia - design
Designers: Arne Jacobsen
Definition
Scandinavian design has enjoyed popularity since before World War II. Distinctive features are plywood furniture, earth colors, etc...Scandinavian Modern
Scandinavian Modern had been in evidence before World War II; Alvar Aalto's blond bent-plywood designs had been around for a while, becoming a hit at the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. War's end brought a new Scandinavian esthetic, born of the despair and economic hardship generated in Scandinavia during the years of occupation. Looking for ways to express their faith and optimism for the future, talented designers and craftspeople worked during the war to express their hopes for a brighter, more rational era. Since many materials were unavailable, and manufacturing facilities crippled by shortages, Scandinavians looked to the past for inspiration. They saw that old cabinetmaking, pottery, weaving, and glassblowing techniques could be used to create designs that expressed tomorrow and respected yesterday. In barns and workrooms and houses, people began to carve and weave- and shape the future. --http://www.jetsetmodern.com/danish.htm [Mar 2006]
Paimio chair (1931-1932) - Alvar Aalto
In search of modernism
ARMCHAIR 41 "PAIMIO" (1931-32) - Alvar Aalto
Image sourced here.
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto (February 3, 1898 - May 11, 1976) was a Finnish architect and designer. He was generally known as Alvar Aalto.
He was noted for his humanistic approach and for being one of the first and the most influential architects of Scandinavian modernism, so much so that he is sometimes known as the "Father of Modernism" in Scandinavia. His work includes architecture, furniture and glassware.
He was a member of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne. Major works include the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Finland, and the campus of Helsinki University of Technology. Aalto's glassware includes the world-famous Aalto Vase.
He is the eponym of the Alvar Aalto Medal, now considered one of world architecture’s most prestigious awards. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvar Aalto [Mar 2006]
See also: 1932 - Scandinavian design - modern design
Tulip chair
Tulip chair (1956) - Eero-Saarinen, photo unidentified
Eero Saarinen (1910 - 1961)
Eero Saarinen (August 20, 1910, in Kirkkonummi, Finland – September 1, 1961, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) was a Finnish-American architect of the 20th century famous for his simple sweeping and arching shapes. He is often associated with the International style. He was the son of architect Eliel Saarinen and studied with his father at Cranbrook Academy of Art. He received a B.Arch. from Yale University in 1934. He also designed furniture. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eero_Saarinen [May 2005]
see also: furniture - architecture - design - biomorphism
Egg chair
Ovalia (1968) - Henrik Thor-Larsen
OVALIA was exhibited for the first time at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair in 1968 and was an immediate success. The chair was sold up to 1978 and was in demand throughout the world. It is just as contemporary today as it was then and is back in the spotlight for its relaunch. Apart from a few improvements, there have been no visible changes to the design.
OVALIA is a classic furniture design. A chair with a lot of attitude. Hollywood was well aware of this when it was decided to put Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in an OVALIA each for the launch of the films MEN IN BLACK I & II. --http://www.ovalia.com/eng_ovalia.htm [Jun 2005]
see also this gallery - furniture - 1968
Scandinavian Design (2002) - Charlotte J. Fiell, Peter Fiell
Scandinavian Design (2002) - Charlotte J. Fiell, Peter Fiell [Amazon.com] [FR] [DE] [UK]
Scandinavians are exceptionally gifted in design. They are world-famous for their inimitable, democratic designs which bridge the gap between crafts and industrial production. The marriage of beautiful, organic forms with everyday functionality is one of the primary strengths of Scandinavian design and one of the reasons why Scandinavian creations are so cherished and sought after.
This all-you-need guide includes a detailed look at Scandinavian furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, metalware and industrial design from 1900 to the present day, with in-depth entries on over 200 designers and design-led companies, plus essays on the similarities and differences in approach between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Also included is a list of important design-related places to visit for readers planning to travel to Scandinavia.
Including: DESIGNERS Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto, Timo Sarpaneva, Hans Wegner, Tapio Wirkkala, Sigvard Bernadotte, Stig Lindberg, Ingeborg Lundin, Finn Juhl... COMPANIES Fritz Hansen, Artek, Le Klint, Gustavsberg, Iittala, Fiskars, Volvo, Saab, Orrefors, Royal Copenhagen, Holmegaard, Arabia, Marimekko, George Jensen...
About the Author
Charlotte J. Fiell studied at the British Institute, Florence and at Camberwell School of Arts & Crafts, London, where she received a BA (Hons) in the History of Drawing and Printmaking with Material Science. She later trained with Sotheby's Educational Studies, also in London. Peter M. Fiell trained with Sotheby's Educational Studies in London and later received an MA in Design Studies from Central St Martin's College of Art & Design, London. Together, the Fiells run a design consultancy in London specializing in the sale, acquisition, study and promotion of design artifacts. They have lectured widely, curated a number of exhibitions and written numerous articles and books on design and designers, including TASCHEN's Charles Rennie Mackintosh, William Morris, 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century, and Industrial Design A-Z. They also edited the six-volume Decorative Arts series published by TASCHEN.
See also: Scandinavian design - modern design