Scandinavian Design / Soft Modernism

Scandinavian Design / Soft Modernism

Scandinavia design is a patchwork in European nation states that form a regional and cultural entity that it is very clear from the rest of Europe.

When looking back into the early of the 20th century, styles and movements that controled the art world at that time, we will look for influences and projects that have evolved into what has been known since the mid-20th century as “Scandinavian design”.

Many designers constantly draw inspiration from history. Being aware of that history and knowing what has come before in your field can help you more to convey the meaning in your work.

While many of the Scandinavia countries have extreme differences, they also have some of the common historical, cultural and also geophysical threads. Without implying any of that certain principles apply to all art and design in that area.

Modernism is a cultural movement that had been started at the end of the 19th century and was a break from the Realism that dominated the art world before.  It was, hence, fairly conservative, and the art that was created in that movement was intended to be truthful and accurate.

Some of the exhibitions of Scandinavian design were held through Europe and North America. Some of the earliest ones are the Stockholm Exhibition in 1930, where there, find the functionalism blossomed and artists and companies showcased their latest products.

Scandinavian designers, in their pursuit of beautiful,affordable and yet useful household objects have historically adopted an approach to design where by products are developed within a humanist interpretation of the technical, formal and aesthetic principles associated with Modernism. Many of the majority of Scandinavian people designs is recognized not only by the integral part of everyday life, but it is also as a means of effecting social change.

   They share a common cultural history. They each possess a unique character that reflects their different geographies and environmental conditions. Much more than somewhere else in the world, some designers in Scandinavia have instigated approach to design that seeks a social ideal and the enhancement of the quality of life through appropriate and affordable products and technology.

The styles and movements in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century spread all around the earth . While they did not adopt the same message, all of them contributed to go for new forms and functions.

Modernism’s scope was far and wide and developed differently in each other countries. The idea spread all through Scandinavia, with some designers and artists interacting with their contemporaries all through Europe, helped by fast-developing media like types as film. In Scandinavia all the ideas gradually evolved into other design principles and philosophies that eventually had international effects.

Scandinavian designers were influenced by everything that was going on all around them. With their innovative tradition of craftsmanship and efficient use of limited material resources they combined the best of both. The motion of enjoying the work you do was highly regarded, and also the idea that beautiful things could enrich people’s lives was kept alive.

Furniture from designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen and also Hans Wegner Verner Panton are world renowned. The lines and organic shapes of pieces like the chair are simple and minimal. It creates a calm atmosphere and feeling of big space. Something that it is really especially important when spending time indoors.

Referencing

A Little History of Scandinavian Design | The Urban Pig. 2015. A Little History of Scandinavian Design | The Urban Pig. [ONLINE] Available at: http://theurbanpig.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/scandinaviandesign/. [Accessed 12 January 2015].

Sex and the Sixties: Verner Panton's Pop Fantasia — Retrospect | Apartment Therapy. 2015. Sex and the Sixties: Verner Panton's Pop Fantasia — Retrospect | Apartment Therapy. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sex-and-the-sixties-verner-pan-110872. [Accessed 12 January 2015].

The Story Of Scandinavian Design: Combining Function and Aesthetics - Smashing Magazine. 2015. The Story Of Scandinavian Design: Combining Function and Aesthetics - Smashing Magazine. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/06/13/the-story-of-scandinavian-design-combining-function-and-aesthetics/. [Accessed 12 January 2015].