YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2009:
Terhi Tuominen and Mikko Laakkonen
The Young Designer of the Year Prize of 2009 is awarded to Mikko Laakkonen (born 1974) and Terhi Tuominen (born 1979).
Mikko Laakkonen studied at the Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences and graduated as Master of Arts from the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 2006. He has taught design and worked in several design offices and agencies. Through his own design studio founded in 2004, he collaborates with domestic and foreign manufacturers. Mikko Laakkonen has belonged to several groups of Finnish designers participating in foreign exhibitions among other showings. Laakkonen's works are products for homes and public spaces and are made mostly of wood, metal, glass and plastic.
Terhi Tuominen studied furniture design at the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, with further studies in furniture design and technology at London Metropolitan University, and spatial and furniture design at the School of Design of the University of Art and Design Helsinki. She established her own company in 2006. Terhi Tuominen works in the design of interiors, exhibition displays and corporate events of various kinds. She has received international and Finnish prizes and awards and has participated in numerous exhibitions both on a solo basis and as a member of a group or team of designers. She mostly works in wood and metal.
The prize jury notes that the awarded designers have introduced a new look to products that have been designed innumerable times, such as chairs and tables. Their works exhibit new freshness and sensitivity. The products are playful and light, while also clear-cut and functional in a sensible manner. Both designers are active and sales-oriented and have proved themselves to be willing and able to take risks. They have boldly set out to market their skills to businesses both in Finland and internationally.
The members of the prize jury were CEO Mikko Kalhama / Design Forum Finland, Editor-in-chief Heidi Laaksonen / Deko magazine, Designer Harri Koskinen, Professor Raimo Nikkanen / University of Art and Design Helsinki, Curator Jukka Savolainen / Design Museum and Designer Ilkka Suppanen.
Previous recipients of the prize are designers Harri Koskinen and Ilkka Suppanen (2000), interior architect Karola Sahi and architect Eeva Lithovius (2001), designer and cabinetmaker Tuuli Autio and designer and silversmith Pyry Tamminen (2002), graphic designers Antti Hinkula and Teemu Suviala (2005), industrial designer Jukka Korpihete and furniture designer Mikko Paakkanen (2006), shoe designer Julia Lundsten and designer Janne Kyttänen (2007) and designers Nathalie Lahdenmäki and Naoto Niidome (2008).
Press release and images
Interview with the Young Designers
Terhi Tuominen CV
Mikko Laakkonen CV
Young Designer of the Year 2009, 6–31 May 2009
Space1, Design Forum Finland, Erottajankatu 7, Helsinki
Mon – Fri 10-19, Sat 10-18, Sun 12-17
For further information please contact:
Prizes and competitions: Tuula Laulajainen, tel. +358 (0)9 6220 8110,
tuula.laulajainen@designforum.fi
PR and press: Aila Kolehmainen, tel. +358 (0)9 6220 8121,
aila.kolehmainen@designforum.fi
