Scandinavian

Art has been extremely affected by the social and political distinctive features. Despite the differences between the Scandinavian countries, they do have some ordinary cultural, geophysical and historical characteristics. It is an amalgamation of designs from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Functionality, simplicity, minimalism and beauty are the guiding principles that have shaped the design sensibilities of Nordic Europe. Although the design is simple, the spaces are filled with light, airiness, serenity and a feeling of oneness nature. The design principles is using neutral colour palettes, keep lines simple and clean, and squeeze the most favourable function out of every part of the decor. The style is highly functional and effective without requiring heavy elements. They used form-pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enameled aluminium, or pressed steel to combine the best designs. The prominent design responsiveness was egalitarian, persistently ignoring elaborate decoration and acknowledge simple elegance that were affordable and easy accessible to people in all walks of life. The concept of ‘beautiful things that make your life better’ was considered tremendously.

The Scandinavian design emanated from a design exhibition that travelled the United States and Canada. Scandinavian designers showcased furniture, glassware and home accessories to promote the ‘Scandinavian way of living’. It established the beautiful, simple, clean designs, inspired by the luxurious lifestyles of aristocracy and royalty. Scandinavian designers were instrumental in developing ideas into design principles and philosophies that eventually had a worldwide effect. The main focal point was on requirement or purpose, not on ornamentation or glamour as they create spaces that are simple, uncluttered and efficient, yet warm and welcoming. Long, harsh winters with a very few hours of daylight inspired Scandinavian designers to generate bright light and practical environments. The outcome was a style that in a very skilful manner combined beauty with practicality.  

The Scandinavian design is frequently known as democratic design. In order with current democratic social views, everything was made to be available to everyone with the concept that stunning objects could enrich people’s lives. This design has progressed with time, shifting from mainly furniture and product design to an implementation of fundamentals and procedures. Scandinavian design continuously extended its philosophy and aesthetics appropriately, progressing towards environmental friendly homes and skilful practical articles which do not lack elegance and beauty.

Arne Jacobsen

Arne Jacobsen’s timeless designs in furniture and architecture are well known. He potentially used new techniques which enabled him to bend plywood in three dimensions to create his Model 3107 chair. He created a light, simple, effective and compact object that fits perfectly into modern homes till the present day. Almost all his furniture designs were conceived for a specific space.

Model 3107 chair

Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen’s distinctive lamp designs were carefully considered and planned. He designed the PH lamp, after analyzing the reflection and baffle of the light rays from the bulb as widely as possible without the glare being visible. The beauty of the elegant smooth lines doesn’t prevent the lamp from performing its function exactly as it was designed to do. His best-known designs are the PH Artichoke and PH5.

PH50 Pendant Lamp

PH Artichoke

Verner Panton

Verner Panton, is famous for his impressive abstract work with a focus on new materials, especially plastics. He designed the single-form moulded plastic chair known as The Panton chair or the S chair due to the shape of an S. Panton’s creations stood apart from those of his contemporaries, and his focus was more on futurestic designs in vibrant colours that are stylistically close to Pop Art.

Panton chair

Other examples of Scandinavian designs:

Tea trolley by Alvar Aalto

The Ball chair by Eero Aarnio

The Pastil chair by Eero Aarnio

Iceblock bowl by Tapio Wirkkala

The Bolle collection by Tapio Wirkkala

Glass birds by Oiva Toikka

Glass rooster by Oiva Toikka

References

Research:
Judith Miller(2005). Furniture World Styles From Classical To Contemporary. London- Dorling Kinsley Limited  and THE PRICE GUIDE COMPANY.
"The Pioneers of Scandinavian Design"[Online]. MyBaze. Available from: https://medium.com/@MyBaze/the-pioneers-of-scandinavian-design-feffe35c52d  [Accessed 23 April 2017]
Katrín Eyþórsdóttir. "The Story Of Scandinavian Design: Combining Function and Aesthetics"[Online]. 13 June 2011. Smashing Magazine. Available from: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/06/the-story-of-scandinavian-design-combining-function-and-aesthetics/ [Accessed 23 April 2017]

Images:

"The Pioneers of Scandinavian Design"[Online]. MyBaze. Available from: https://medium.com/@MyBaze/the-pioneers-of-scandinavian-design-feffe35c52d  [Accessed 23 April 2017]
Katrín Eyþórsdóttir. "The Story Of Scandinavian Design: Combining Function and Aesthetics"[Online]. 13 June 2011. Smashing Magazine. Available from: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/06/the-story-of-scandinavian-design-combining-function-and-aesthetics/ [Accessed 23 April 2017]
"Paul Henningsen"[Online]. Design Within Reach. Available from: http://www.dwr.com/designer-poul-henningsen?lang=en_US [Accessed 23 April 2017]