The Kaj Franck Design Prize 2008
Professor, interior architect Eero Aarnio
Professor Eero Aarnio has been chosen to receive the Kaj Frank Design Prize of 2008. His internationally significant career in furniture design already began in the 1960s when he established his own office specializing in interior and industrial design in 1962.
According to the prize jury, Eero Aarnio has during his professional career of over 50 years created an extensive oeuvre while remaining faithful to his own style, characterized by distinct lines, bright colours and free and even surprising uses of form. Few Finnish designers have achieved with their products such world fame as Aarnio. He has created objects that have become icons of Finnish design, from Ball and Bubble chairs to Double Bubble lamp and Puppy. In spring 2008, he received as the third Finnish designer of all times the prestigious Compasso d'Oro prize for the Trioli children's chair designed for the Italian furniture company Magis.
Though Aarnio is mainly known for his plastic chairs and lamps, he has also designed "ordinary" furniture for public spaces. He has a detailed knowledge of different materials and production technology, which can be distinguished in his designs. The majority of Aarnio's products are still being manufactured in Finland. The prize jury also stated that Aarnio's furniture and other items serve various groups of users, from children to business executives in homes as well as in offices. Aarnio's ingenious use of materials, form and colours make him the 17th recipient of the Kaj Franck Design Prize.
Aarnio’s most recent exhibition has toured many countries and his works are on permanent display in leading collections, such as MoMA in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein.
The prize jury of 2008 consisted of CEO Pentti Kivinen of the Finnish Fair Foundation, Rector Helena Hyvönen of the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Professor and designer Heikki Orvola, designer and Kaj Franck expert Tauno Tarna, and CEO Mikko Kalhama of Design Forum Finland.
Press release and press images
