INTERIOR ARCHITECT AND FURNITURE DESIGNER YRJÖ KUKKAPURO
Yrjö Kukkapuro (photographer Lucien den Arend)
Yrjö Kukkapuro, one of the central figures of Finnish functionalism,
started working as a designer in the 1950s. His furniture has represented Finland
in major international exhibitions since Milan 1960 Triennial and has been selected
to the most significant foreign museum design collections. Many of Kukkapuro’s
early designs are still in production. The most famous of them is the Carousel-chair.
When it was launched in 1965, it represented completely new way of thinking
and even now it is frequently discussed in the media.
The corner stone
of Kukkapuro’s designs is ergonomics, the systematic mapping of physiological
requirements. The functionality and reliability of the furniture carries out
the designer's ecological efforts and minimalistic aesthetic values and offers
their user beautiful and durable comfort.
Yrjö Kukkapuro has taught at the Ateneum in 1963 -1969,
Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Architecture 1969 - 1974, and
the University of Art and Design 1974 - 1980. He was the rector of the University
of Art and Design 1978 -1980. Kukkapuro was appointed Honorary Professor of
Arts for 1988 -1993 by the Arts Council of Finland. He has served as a visiting
teacher in Scotland and England, as well as a lecturer throughout the world.
In China, he has been appointed honorary professor at two universities.
Yrjö and Irmeli Kukkapuro's studio (photographer
Veikko Kähkönen)
Kukkapuro is a recipient of many prizes
and awards including the Finnish State Design Prize of 1970, The Pro Finlandia
medal in 1983 and Design Forum Finland’s Kaj Franck Prize in 1995
Ergonomics, Ecology and Aesthetics Encounters Seminar
26.04.2007
In his seminar speech Yrjö Kukkapuro stated that the
Finnish functionalism has its roots in the peasant culture and derives its
energy from the art movements of the 1960´s. The tendency towards purity and
simplicity of shape originates in log houses, wooden cradles and spoons. Pop
Art brought unlimited faith in development and a joy of creation to arts and
design. Although the unbridled creative urge of “the space age” has since been
dimmed by oil crises and climate change, good ideas can still be found.
Kukkapuro believes in the power of details: "God dwells in the details.
In them possibilities are limitless. They can be used to create your own personal
stamp on the design." At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of technical
knowledge: “One has to be able to manage structures and construction and to
know how materials behave. Workshops, wholesalers and factories are almost more
important than universities to a designer. True knowledge can be found there."
Yrjö Kukkapuro and the prototype for his
karuselli chair in 1964-1965
Katariina Lipsanen
Sources:
Marjut Pitkänen, Kari Huhtamon Taidesäätiö ja Sari Väyrynen,
Lapin Yliopisto. Bulletin on the Encounters-seminar.
Merja Vehmas: Top
artists trust the idea of the world class university. Lapin Kansa 27.4.2007.
Encounters page
Kari Piippo
Lucien den
Arend
Jorma
Hautala
Yrjö Kukkapuro
Antero Toikka