Celebrating what would be his 100th birthday, Artek has launched a range of products by the acclaimed Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara. Noted for his furnishings and textiles, Tapiovaara was greatly influenced by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and led a long and extensive career most noted for capturing the essence of Finnish identity through his work.
With a strong belief in functionality, Tapiovaara felt that architecture was the starting point for much of his design work. In addition to chairs and other furniture, mostly intended for public spaces, he designed interiors for banks, offices and hotels.
During his lifetime, Tapiovaara created beloved, iconic objects including an impressive range of furniture, now available at Artek.
The Trienna coffee table is made of formed birch wood with a walnut surface veneer. Featuring three pieces that form one solid smooth table – its six rounded edges come together to offer a unique sculptural presence.
Made of pressed birch and steel, the Lukki family of seating (Finnish for “daddy longlegs”) includes a range of armchairs and stools in a variety of finishes including sage and stone grey, new for 2014.
Pirkka stools in birch embody the aesthetic of modern design over 50 years later. Proving the collection’s versatility, the stools are available in a range of heights (low, counter or high bar) in a variety of wood finishes. Other products in the Pirkka line include dining chairs, dining table, benches and more.
The Domus lounge chair is made of birch upholstered with leather or fabric. Also available as an armchair, the Domus collection possesses a clean aesthetic offering maximum comfort. Originally commissioned for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki, the chair was designed to be useful in a variety of settings.
And finally, the Mademoiselle rocking chair made with a solid birch frame offers lasting quality and timeless appeal. A high backrest with a low profile and leaned-back look gives Mademoiselle added comfort. Mademoiselle is also available in a non-rocking version in white, black or sage green.
For more information, please visit www.artek.fi/company/designers/40.