lifeiscarbon®

New Limited Edition by Lukasz Wierzbowski

2013-04-08T21:21:05+02:00

We are proud to present our fourth book, the long awaited debut monograph from the avant-garde photographer Lukasz Wierzbowski. Produced to the highest standards by Optimal Media, the renowned German printers, Sequin Covered Swans is a curation of the photographers most intriguing and interesting images to date. Presented in a beautiful clothbound hardcover book, the First Edition is limited to just 460 numbered copies.

A master of color composition and in the use of disruptive patterns, Wierzbowski's work often explores the ambiguous relationship between the model and their surroundings: Everyday settings become unconventional spaces and ordinary occurrences become extraordinary happenings in a seemingly random sequence of captured moments-in-between. Obscurum per obscurius.

Originally from Lubliniec in southern Poland, Lukasz Wierzbowski is currently based in the historical city of Wroclaw. His work has appeared in numerous photography zines and several leading independent magazines around the world; including titles such as Neon, Blink, Waterfall, Kinki, Lowdown and Tokion Factory. The photographer’s work has been exhibited widely; with solo shows at the Czarny Neseser Gallery in Wroclaw, Poland and the Nizio Gallery in Warsaw, Poland together with inclusion in numerous groups shows around the world, in cities ranging from New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Moscow, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Melbourne and Taipei.

Follow the link to take a look inside Sequin Covered Swans by Lukasz Wierzbowski from Éditions du LIC:

Founded with a mission to foster and promote creative endeavours, Éditions du LIC is a small independent book publisher founded by lifeiscarbon®. Specialising in the publication of provocative contemporary titles by emerging avant-garde photographers, most titles by Éditions du LIC are debut volumes by previously unpublished or self-published photographers.

All books published by Éditions du LIC are clothbound hardback volumes that use offset printing on the highest quality materials. Print runs are strictly limited and divided between numbered Limited Editions and signed Special Editions. All Éditions du LIC titles are available direct from the Éditions du LIC online store or from select independent bookshops worldwide.

Pro captu lectoris habent sua fata libelli

SEQUIN COVERED SWANS

First Edition

460 numbered copies

96 pages, 72 colour plates

21.0 cm x 26.0 cm

Embossed cloth covered hardcover

Offset printing

Éditions du LIC 2013

ISBN 978-82-999067-5-3

ÉDITIONS DU LIC

LUKASZ WIERZBOWSKI

New Limited Edition by Massimo Leardini

2013-04-06T17:50:32+02:00

We are proud to present the first book specifically devoted to the Scandinavian works of the Oslo based photographer, Massimo Leardini. Presented in a large format clothbound hardcover book, the First Edition is limited to just 440 numbered copies. Beautifully produced by the legendary Swedish printers, Fälth & Hässler, using Triotone offest printing on Arctic Volume Ivory paper, Scandinavian by Massimo Leardini features shoots with a host of models including Iselin Steiro, Marianne Schröder, Viktoria Winge, Jenny Sinkaberg and Ophelie Rupp.

Originally from Cattolica, in the Italian Province of Rimini, Massimo Leardini has lived and worked in Norway since 1987, becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in Scandinavia. His work, which has received numerous awards and prizes, appears regularly in leading independent magazines, including Smug, S-Magazine, Carl’s Cars and Personae.

Rooted in the classical tradition, Leardini uses his unique aesthetic sensibility to capture the human body in harmony with the timeless Scandinavian landscape. Despite the seeming purity and innocence of these candid moments, a quiet sense of melancholy pervades and seems to hint at a deeper undercurrent of Nordic angst.

Follow the link to take a look inside Scandinavian by Massimo Leardini from Éditions du LIC:

Pro captu lectoris habent sua fata libelli

SCANDINAVIAN

First Edition

440 numbered copies

116 pages

84 triotone plates

24.0 cm x 30.0 cm

Offset printing

Foil embossed cloth covered hardcover with tipped-in print

Éditions du LIC 2013

ISBN 978-82-999067-6-0

ÉDITIONS DU LIC

MASSIMO LEARDINI

New Limited Edition by Synchrodogs

2013-03-18T16:04:46+01:00

We are proud to announce that our first book is now on sale at our new publishing venture, Éditions du LIC. A long awaited and much anticipated debut monograph from Synchrodogs, the emerging avant-garde photographer duo from Ukraine. A strictly numbered Limited Edition of 460 copies that brings together of a curation of their most intriguing and unsual work to date. Presented in a large format hardcover covered in Brillianta cloth with 116 pages of offset printing on 170 gsm Galerie Art Matt paper.

The Synchrodogs are Tania Shcheglova and Roman Noven. The work of this young Ukrainian photography couple has been featured in leading publications around the world; with editorial features appearing in titles such as Dazed & Confused (USA), Vice (USA), Neon (Germany), L’Imparfaite (France), Novembre (France/Switzerland), S magazine (Denmark), I Love Fake (UK), Vision (China) and The British Journal of Photography (UK).

Despite the fact that Synchrodogs have only collaborated since 2008, their photography has already been exhibited widely around the world; with solo exhibitions in London and Chicago and appearances in countless group shows in cities including Kiev, Moscow, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Paris, London, LA and New York. New solo shows in Berlin and London later this year have just been announced by Silent Veil Agency.

Follow the link to see more images of Byzantine by Synchrodogs and to read more about Édtions du LIC:

Founded with a mission to foster and promote creative endeavours, Éditions du LIC is a small independent book publisher specializing in the creation of provocative contemporary titles by emerging photographers that seek to explore the boundaries of the medium. Most titles by Éditions du LIC are debut volumes by young avante-garde photographers whose work has previously only been self-published or published in zines.

Whilst we make every effort to make our books affordable to all, the high specification of our books and their limited print runs tend to make them expensive to produce. Rather than using cheaper alternative suppliers, we choose to work with the best suppliers and producers in Europe, partly for an assurance of quality and partly for ecological reasons but also in order to ensure their continued economic survival.

All books published by Éditions du LIC are clothbound hardback volumes that use offset printing and the highest quality materials. Print runs are extremely limited and divided between numbered Limited Editions and signed Special Editions. All of Éditions du LIC titles are available direct from our website and from select independent bookshops worldwide.

BYZANTINE

First Edition

460 numbered copies

116 pages on 170 gsm Galerie Art Matt

95 colour plates

29.0 cm x 29.5 cm format

Offset printing

Embossed Brillianta cloth covered hardcover

Published by Éditions du LIC 2012

ISBN 978-82-999067-3-9

Order your copy of Byzantine by Synchrodogs from Éditions du LIC

Go here to take a look at more work by Synchrodogs

SoFi from Frost Produkt and Powerdesign

2013-03-17T19:37:19+01:00

To be honest, we have never been the biggest fans of highly complicated and overly engineered office chairs. The ubiquitous Aeron chair has never been spyed at lifeiscarbon® and given a choice we would be happy to settle comfortably on an Eames Soft Pad or to perch painfully on a Series 7 by Arne Jacobsen. That said, every now and then a chair comes along that seems to strike the right balance between ergonomic comfort and understated looks. The newly released SoFi from HÅG seems strikes just that balance.

SoFi was the result of a collaboration between two Norwegian design companies, Frost Produkt and PowerDesign, together with the producer Scandinavian Business Seating. Interestingly, and somewhat unusually, particular emphasis has been put into the rear of the chair. Whilst unimportant to the actual user, the rear of the chair is often the main viewing angle in most modern office environments. The main form of the back has therefore been given a friendly, human-like, silhouette which partly encloses and protects the user whilst totally disguising the technical solutions without compromising their functionality. Any office chair that doesn´t look like a creature from Aliens gets our vote.

Follow the link to take a look at the new HÅG SoFi by Frost Produkt and PowerDesign:

FROST PRODUKT

POWERDESIGN

Form Us With Love Curated Shop

2013-02-05T12:22:01+01:00

The Swedish design studio, Form Us With Love, has broken with tradition for this year´s Stockholm Design Week by opening Market, a curated shop in the middle of Stockholm´s busy shopping district Bibliotekstan.

With the aim of combining inspiration, commerce and dialogue, the shop at Birger Jarlsgatan 15 consists of 30 carefully selected objects (accessories, lights, furniture, books and magazines) together with a design exhibition showcasing four new products created in collaboration with Jov, RBM, ateljé Lyktan and One Nordic Furniture Company.

“We want to offer an alternative to the Design Week’s internal atmosphere. Driven by our ambition to make design more accessible, the market will feature selected objects from our own repertoire as well as our favorites from other designers” say Form Us With Love.

Follow the link to find out more details of the new products and see more images of the interior of the Form US With Love curated store:

(Image at top of post) - RBM introduces the Noor chair by Stokke Austad, Grönlund Design and Form Us With Love. A striking family of chairs developed in a joint venture of three Scandinavian design studios, in tune with RBM’s commitment to provide qualitative and honest design.

One Nordic Furniture Company presents Levels lamp by Form Us With Love. The design of Levels is based on the no-tools, self-intuitive core that characterises the work of One Nordic - a young online brand that produces high qualitaty design furniture that ships small and assembles easily.

ateljé Lyktan introduces Hood lamp by Form Us With Love. A modular textile lamp offering both shelter and light. With over seventy-eight years of knowledge and knowhow, ateljé Lyktan is a light manufacturer and a Swedish heritage brand.

JoV introduces Hidden Stockholm Carpets by Form Us With Love, telling a story of local colour and pattern. JoV is a family owned producer of hand-tufted carpets who take great pride in producing highly qualitative and comfortable carpets made using only natural materials and precision craft.

Visit on the the online version of MARKET by FORM US WITH LOVE

Lifeiscarbon launches Éditions du LIC

2013-01-30T00:04:07+01:00

We are proud to announce the launch of the new website for Éditions du LIC, a newly established independent publishing house founded by lifeiscarbon®.

Founded with a mission to foster and promote creative endeavors, Éditions du LIC specializes in high quality limited editions featuring the work of both emerging and established photographers. All books published by Éditions du LIC are cloth bound hardback volumes using the best offset printing and the highest quality materials. Print runs are extremely limited and are divided between numbered Limited Editions and signed Artist Editions (presented in a clamshell case together with limited edition prints). All titles from Éditions du LIC will be be available from select independent bookshops worldwide as well as from the soon-to-be-launched Éditions du LIC website.

Our first books, to be published in the coming weeks, include monographs for some of our favorite avant-garde photographers; Synchrodogs, Ren Hang and Lukas Wierzbowski. This will coincide with the publication of the first volume of a series of books profiling the work of leading Scandinavian photographers. The first book will be a volume dedicated to the work of the Norwegian based photographer, Massimo Leardini.

Follow the link to see a sneak preview of images from our first four limited editions. Sign up to the Éditions du LIC newsletter to be first to know when new books are released:

Synchrodogs

Ren Hang

Lukasz Wierzbowski

Massimo Leardini

EDITIONS DU LIC

Norwegian Design Icons

2013-01-07T16:26:38+01:00

Not to be missed, Norwegian Icons is an interactive exhibition of iconic Norwegian design from the 1900s, with a primary focus on the era from 1940 to 1975. Organized by Fuglen and hosted by Blomqvist, the exhibition opens in Oslo this Friday, before continuing to both Tokyo and New York during 2013.

A favourite of international style bible Monocle, Fuglen in Oslo, Norway is a curious blend of café, cocktail bar and vintage design store, in which all of the furniture is for sale. Its Tokyo shop, which opened in May 2012, transplants the concept to a backstreet corner not far from Yoyogi Park, in the space formerly occupied by Koz Café. Blomqvist was established in 1870 as one of Scandinavia´s first art dearlers and auctioneers. Today, 140 years later, it is Norways oldest, largest and most profitable actioneer with both traditional and online actions.

Follow the link to read more about the exhibition and to see a selection of our favorite, sadly under appreciated, design icons from Norway:

Kryss Lounge Chair - Designed by Fredrik Kayser in 1956. Produced by Gustav Bahus. (Photo at top)

The intention of ‘Norwegian Icons’ is to raise international awareness of Norway’s contribution to the Scandinavian Mid-Century period. The exhibition will display important designers and their design icons from the period, all of which have been crucial to Norwegian design history. The exhibition will also include work from essential modern artists of the same period. The idea of Norwegian Icons originated after one of the initiators received the sales catalogue for the exhibition ‘Important Nordic Design’, which was held in November 2011 at the auction house of Phillips de Pury & Company in London. Sadly, Norway was not mentioned. Thereby confirming the suspician that historically Norway has been forgotten as an important Scandinavian design nation.

Pendel s/10053 Pendant Lamp - Originally produced by Sønnico in 1954. Re-isued as Dokka by Northern Lighting.

S - 30016 Table Lamp - Designed by Birger Dahl in 1954. Produced by Sønnico.

Holmenkollen Recling Chair - Designed by Arne Tidemand Ruud in 1959. Produced by Norcraft.

5001 Easy Chair - Designed by Sven Ivar Dysthe in 1962. Produced by Dokka Møbler.

Winston Sofa - Designed by Torbjørn Afdal.

Kay Dining Chairs - Designed by Fredrik Kayser. Produced by Steen & Strøm

NORWEGIAN ICONS

Opening Friday, 11th January 2013, 5pm–9pm

Blomqvist Kunsthandel, Tordenskiolds gate 5, Oslo

FUGLEN

BLOMQVIST

Humans since 1982

2012-11-07T16:18:38+01:00

Artists since 2008. Humans since 1982. Per Emanuelsson (Sweden) and Bastian Bischoff (Germany) met whilst studying at HDK (The School of Design and Crafts at the University of Gothenburg). Emanuelsson went on to complete a Master of Science at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm whilst Bischoff went on to study for a BA in Communication Design at HTWG in Konstanz, Germany. They eventually founded the Humans since 1982 studio in Stockholm in 2008 and their projects have been receiving international attention ever since.

“Fascinating ideas seem to like not being detected. That's why they are fascinating. And they seem to hide on the edges of man-made realms. Find those ideas by mixing physics with fashion, art with medicine, technology with philosophy, cosmetics with astronautics, food with architecture, religion with humour..."

Inhabiting a curious space between design and art. Part design object and part art statement, perhaps. Regardless, we love the fascinating ideas of Per Emanuelsson and Bastian Bischoff.

Follow the link to see a selection of our favorite works by Humans since 1982.

The debut project by Humans since 1982, The Surveillance Light, was initially shown at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2008. It was well received not only by the design and art press but also by a variety of political blogs and magazines, and almost immediately led to a relationship with the Brussels based gallery Victor Hunt.

During their graduation thesis in 2009 the pair developed two further projects, Celebrating The Cross and The Clock Clock. Whilst the former was perceived rather ambiguously and polarized the opinions of journalists and readers from religious and political blogs, the latter received a unanimously positive reaction. Their thesis went on to receive the prize for the best graduation work at HDK and entered into Wallpaper magazine´s Graduation Directory. Celebrating The Cross went on to be nominated by Li Edelkoort for Designhuis’ European Talent and The Clock Clock found its way into the Saatchi Gallery in London where Per & Bastian’s cooperation with auction house and gallery Phillips de Pury began. In the same year Humans since 1982 developed commissioned work for institutions and corporations such as The Sacred World Foundation in New Delhi and The Purple House in Seoul.

Since 2011 the studio have been busy taking part in group shows at Villa Empainat (Boghossian Foundation) in Brussels, EcoDesign Habitare in Helsinki, International Design+Architecture Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Triennale Design Museum in Milan and Musée International D´Horlogerie in Switzerland as well as creating commissioned work for The Royal London Hospital, UK. Last year saw 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, USA add The Clock Clock to their permanent collection.

2012 has been equally busy for Humans since 1982, with a solo exhibition at Clarion Hotel Stockholm followed by followup solo shows at Victor Hunt Brussels and Design Miami Basel. Most recently their project portfolio traveled to a group show at the Phillips de Pury flagship gallery in Manhattan.

The Clock Clock White, 2011 - Handmade LImited Edition time piece.

Light On Ground, 2012 - Handmade Limited Edition light scuplture.

Collection Of Light, 2012 - Handmade Limited Edition luminaire

Surveillance Chandelier, 2011 - Handmade Limited Edition (10 pieces) pendant light

Hair Clip On Hair, 2010 - Handmade Signed Limited Edition (50 pieces)

The Clock Clock, 2008-2010

Celebrating The Cross, 2008-2009 - Expanded metal and massive wood.

The Surveillance Light, 2008-2009

Humans Since 1982

TAF for Tokyo Designers Week

2012-10-26T17:57:13+02:00

Since establishing the Stockholm based design studio TAF in 2002, Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Ståhlbom have striven to make ordinary life less ordinary through subtle but effective changes in how products both appear and function. The three new series of products that TAF are unveiling at Tokyo Designers Week next week are yet more evidence of the success of their mission.

We love the timeless simplicity of Soft Triangle, a wooden side table developed for the Japanese manufacturer Karimoku New Standard and the frugality of Collar, a simple but effective clothes hanger commissioned by the impressive duo of Merci (the wonderful Parisian concept store) and Cibone (the equally wonderful Tokyo based art and design store).

Follow the link to see a selection of images of Triangle, Collar and Figurine by Gabriella Gustafson & Mattias Ståhlbom of TAF Arkitektkontor:

Soft Triangle: Side Table. Designed and developed for Karimoku New Standard

Designs for the Soft Triangle side table table have been further developed and will be on diplay at the Karimoku New Standards exhibition entitled Scenes.

Collar: Coat Hanger. Designed and developed for Cïbone and Merci

TAF has been selected by the Parisian concept shop Merci and the Tokyo based brand Cïbone to design a limited edition of ten coat hangers. The hangers will be sold exclusively for charity. The exhibition is curated by Daniel Rozensztroch.

To get the expression of a dressed hanger even when not in use we have been looking at different kind of nearby objects like shirts and collars. The result is made of thin birch plywood which is wrapped around the hook from a typical dry cleaner hanger and easily put together with pop rivets.

”Daniel Rozensztroch collection of hangers from 19th century until today which reaches over 150 pieces of hangers will also be displayed at the exhibition. The history of clothes hangers reveal the shifts and trends of society. Since its invention 150 years ago, hangers have worked like the bones that preserve the shape of clothing. After a close investigation of their history and changes in their aesthetics, we could see the transitions in human activities.” merci & CIBON

Figarine: Containers. Designed and developed for Praxis

The Figurine containers will be displayed at the Praxis stand at Tokyo Midtown Hall and at the Swedish exhibition Contemporary Collected. The exhibition is curated by Katrin Greiling and Gustaf Kjellin for Svensk Form, the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design.

TAF Arkitektkontor

Another Language by Mårten Lange

2012-10-16T15:09:43+02:00

We have long admired the Swedish photographer Mårten Lange and his talent for making stunning photographs out of seemingly banal objects. The aesthetics of science, nature and the materiality of things are recurring themes in Lange’s work and in Another Language, his latest publication (launched last week), Lange delves even deeper into his fascination for the natural world. Combining images of flora, fauna and natural phenomena in an intimate and beautifully crafted book, the photographs create a cryptic and heterogeneous index of nature, with recurring shapes, patterns and texture, in which the clarity and simplicity of the individual photographs contrasts with the enigmatic whole. Ultimately, Another Language is somehwhat akin to the workings of a scientist collecting specimens.

Follow the link to see a selection of images from our favorite book of the year, Another Language by Mårten Lange:

Lange´s stark, monochromatic images of both natural and manmade phenomena form a meticulously assembled catalogue of objects whose essential essence remains tantalizingly obscure, despite the undeniable sense that they are, somehow, related.

The photographer´s work has been exhibited all over the world and published in numerous books, zines and magazines. Having previously run his own publishing company called Farewell Books, his work is now being published by the well respected independent publishing house, Mack.

Another Language by Mårten Lange at Mack Books

Mårten Lange

Emerging Norwegian Design Talent

2012-09-26T17:45:54+02:00

Whilst growing up on the West Coast of Norway, the designer Lars Beller Fjetland nurtured a lifelong fascination for the marriage of function with the finest of nature's materials. Despite only graduating from Bergen National Academy of the Arts earlier this year, 2012 has been something of a breakthough year for the young Norwegian designer, seeing him launch four new design series at Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.

Lars Beller Fjetland seems impatient to broaden his horizons as a dedicated explorer of form with several diverese new projects underway. His current endeavours range from collaborations with graphic designers to more sculptural, artistic experiments with form and material. That said, his core philosophy remains constant; to design products that achieve a sense of both timelessness and longevity through an immediate, honest functionalism in form and aesthetic. The ultimate goal being to create sustainable yet sophisticated solutions for a smarter tomorrow.

Follow the link to see the latest products from Lars Beller Fjetland including our favorite, the Torii inspired minimalist coffee table, NUKI:

NUKI - Coffee Table

"Nuki is a robust coffee table positioned at the crossroads between Japanese tradition and Nordic appreciation for the forests' finest materials. The table is designed around the principles of Torii – the gate that marks the transition from the profane to the sacred in Japanese Shinto-temples – gathering inspiration from its wood- and stone-based construction. A solid layer of marble rests firmly on a strong, foundation of Nordic elm to complete the seamless marriage between Japanese and Nordic aesthetics."

Nuki reflects the core philosophy of designer Lars Beller; to design furniture that achieves a sense of both timelessness and longevity through an immediate, honest functionalism in form and aesthetic.

The philosophy is clearly evident in Bellers’ choice of references for Nuki, mixing a classic Nordic appreciation for natural materials with Japanese craft and tradition. Beller adds yet another nod to Nordic and Japanese crafting-traditions through his refusal of glue, bolts and screws. Instead, ’Nuki’ deploys a traditional interlocking-system that uses the weight of the marble plate to create a solid, steady table.

RE-TURNED - Wooden Birds

"The RE-TURNED concept elevates leftover wood from being merely an ignored piece of trash to becoming a desired piece of feel-good woodcraft. A 100% recycled item, perfect as a housewarming-gift to someone with a big heart for Mother Nature.

Perhaps they were once the part of a loving household as a supportive table-leg or an armrest. Perhaps they never made it from their roots in the woods and into a finished piece of furniture, but got cut off somewhere along the way. Either way, they’re given a new shot at life as a perfect starting point for a RE-TURNED bird."

DRIFTED - Stool & Barstool

"The inspiration for the DRIFTED series came from a visit to Øygarden, outside of Bergen on the West coast of Norway. While walking along the waters edge I became aware of all the varied materials and objects that had floated ashore. Driftwood bleached and scoured by the ocean, old cork that had been ground to unrecognizable shapes. These textures, shapes and material set the basis for the series. The name plays off the materials ability to drift with the current. The cork seat embodies the soft, warm and flexible, while the leg construction in ash stands as a representation for the robust, static and hardy. The fusion between these materials creates a functional, as well as visual harmony."

LINK - Modular Leather System

"Honoring the humble ideals of indigenous tradition and pre-industrial sobriety, the Beller leather-linking technique adds a welcomed touch of modern sophistication to waste reduction. Playing with the juxtaposition of luxury materials with a consumption-conscious mentality, LINK represents a rare throwback to a considerate, machine-independent mindset in a modern design context. Strong, versatile and ventilate, the technique can fit almost any purpose and surface, opening a vast range of possibilities, limited only by the imagination. Composed solely of random pieces of leather, the technique leaves each item visually unique – a desired reminder of the LINK story and philosophy. The intuitive linking-technique allows anyone to assemble the pre-cut leather scraps into a range of applicable products from pillows and beanbags to daybeds and lounge chairs."

Lars Beller Fjetland

Askul by Stockholm Design Lab

2012-09-18T16:16:47+02:00

Founded in 1998, by Björn Kusoffsky and Thomas Eriksson, Stockholm Design Lab is a multidisciplinary design agency that specializes in creating brand identities and solutions that build strong customer relationships. Despite being (as their name suggests) based in Stockholm, SDL have always operated globally and have gained an impressive list of clients around the world with their work having so far been exhibited in Stockholm, Helsinki, Köln, New York, London, Tokyo and Berlin.

We love the packaging created by Stockholm Design Lab for Askul, the giant Japanese office supply company. SDL were commissioned to redesign the identity and packaging for ASKUL's own-label brand. Their objective was to distinguish the own-label products in a clear and graphical way. Their simple but highly effective solution was to use symbols that are easy for customers to understand at first glance, for example sizes (1-4) for batteries, water drops for wet wipes and line space for note books.

Follow the link to see more images of the superb packaging created by Stockholm Design Lab for the Askul own-label range:

Askul, the Japanese office supply company, offers more than 40 000 items with a guaranteed nationwide delivery within 24 hours. The mail order service covers a variety of products ranging from furniture, stationery, computers, to food and daily commodities.

So far Stockholm Design Lab have designed 50-60 different kinds of packaging for items like glue stick, copy paper and batteries. In all of their solutions SDL have tried to take away unnecessary details, create functional designs and add an element of fun.

Battery Boxes

Battery Packaging

Pencils

Copy Paper

Copy Paper Boxes

USB Sticks

USB Stick Boxes

Stockholm Design Lab

Nordic Industrial Icon Toys

2012-09-13T15:14:27+02:00

Is there a distinct Nordic identity? Does the concept of The Nordic Way geniunely exist? Can one, despite the tendency of globalization to erase national and cultural differences, still understand identity as something associated with a particular place? And if that is the case, how has the Nordic identity developed alongside the development of the rest of the world? These are some of the not uninteresting questions posed by the New Nordic – Architecture and Identity exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.

Permafrost, a Norwegian design agency, was asked to create one of 30 small ‘Nordic Dioramas’ for the exhibition. Permafrost´s contribution is a set of wooden toys depicting modern day industrial icons, while at the same time honouring traditional Nordic craftsmanship.

Follow the link to see more images of the wonderful Nordic Wooden Toys that Permafrost created for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art:

Permafrost was established in January 1st 2000 by Andreas Murray, Eivind Halseth, Oskar Johansen and Tore Vinje Brustad; four Norwegian industrial designers, all graduates and classmates from the Oslo School of Architecture, who share a mission to "maintain a signature of flawless functionality and iconic expression". More than a decade of conceptual and inventive design has seen them cover everything from product design, furniture and interiors to graphic design and packaging.

Permafrost

Acne Studios: Redefining Fashion Spaces

2012-06-15T12:55:15+02:00

Inspired by its Stockholm headquarters, the Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios has recently launched a new 4000 sq ft flagship store in Soho, New York and their second store in Paris.

The NYC store features a floor framed by black and white striped tiles with a plush green carpet at its center, apparently signifying the island of Stockholm. Similarly, the blue mirrored back wall symbolises the water which encapsulates the Swedish capital. Dividing the space are partitions painted grey and framed in white, a reference to classic Swedish Gustavian design. Pink and black steel pillars punctuate the space and the shoe salon to the back right of the store is lined in marble and features bespoke stools designed especially for the space. Despite the history of the industrial space remaining much in evidence, Acne founder Jonny Johansson has managed to create a modern reinterpretation of Gustavian style (18th-century Swedish Neo-classicism). We love the purity of the space. It seems to recall the paintings of Vilhelm Hammershøi, with just a hint of the glamour of a Jonathan Adler interior design project mixed in.

Follow the link to see more images from Acne Studios´ new flasghip store in Soho and read more about their wonderful new store in Paris:

NEW YORK

ACNE STUDIO
33 GREENE ST
NEW YORK 10013
USA

PARIS

Acne Studios´ second Parisian store, at 3 Rue Froissart, combines raw industrial elements with clean Scandinavian influences. The original rough industrial walls of a former garage form the backdrop to a brand new, clean and contemporary space. Natural coloured carpets contrast with the rough concrete walls. Set-like partitions have been designed in aluminum; hard on the outside but soft on the inside. The ceilings are painted a dark blood red and punctuated by LED lighting. The walls morph into long benches, becoming display areas as well as seating. Shoppers are greeted at the entrance by the glow of a golden yellow glass wall that reveals the silhouette of a marble sculpture by the English artist Daniel Silver.

ACNE STUDIO
PARIS MARAIS
3 RUE FROISSART
75003 PARIS

ACNE STUDIOS

Nerd: Future Design Classic

2012-06-13T15:09:17+02:00

For the third year in a row, Muuto has hosted a design competition for Nordic design students and this year has seen more entries than ever. More than 400 students (from 20 design schools in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) submitted designs for furniture, lighting and accessories in the hope of winning the much coveted Muuto Talent Award. This year’s winner is David Geckeler with his intuitive yet innovative Nerd Chair. A design that looks set to become a future Scandinavian design classic.

David created the Nerd Chair whilst studying at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen as part of a project exploring the Danish way of designing objects. According to Kristian Byrge (one of the co-founders of Muuto) “....the Nerd Chair is simple yet full of character and a very independent and unique take on an all-wood chair. The project shows both conceptual and aesthetical skills as well as strong craftsmanship.”

Follow the link to read more about Muuto and to see additional images of David Geckeler´s award winning Nerd Chair:

Muuto is a relatively young but already internationally successful Scandinavian design company with a mission to add new chapters to the Scandinavian design history and put the region back in the lead of the international design scene. This mission is emphasized by the name Muuto, which is inspired by the Finnish word ”muutos”, meaning change or new perspective.

”We believe that the road to success for modern Scandinavian design lies in a strong belief in the best designers of our time. We give the designers the freedom and inspiration to create new designs, and we see it as one of Muuto’s primary goals to be on the forefront in the development of the designers”, says Muuto director Peter Bonnen.

From the very beginning, the two founders of Muuto - Peter Bonnen and Kristian Byrge – were highly ambitious and strived to have their products represented in the leading design shops in all major cities around the world. Just 5 years after the company was founded, Muuto’s collection of furniture, lighting and accessories is already sold in more than 800 of the World’s leading design shops on six continents. And more than 40 new designs have been launched from leading designers like Norway Says, Matti Klenell, Harri Koskinen and Louise Campbell, all sharing Muuto’s ambition to add new chapters to the proud Scandinavian design tradition.

Past articles on Muuto

Yellow Is The New Black

21st Century Scandinavian Modern

Naked Nordic Ambition

MUUTO