Sweden's acclaimed designer Monica Förster taps into one of
her country's most prized natural resources in the subtle
gestures shown in her latest accomplishment, the Vika seating
collection. In northern Sweden, braided rivers carve through
the land creating an ever changing landscape alive with motion.
Förster brilliantly captures the beauty of this geographical
phenomenon in the undulating shape of her new chair.
The commission for Bernhardt Design marks her first major
collaboration with an American company subsequent to building a
highly respected body of work for numerous leading European
brands. Many designers and artists strive to create work that is
instantly recognizable, but Förster felt it was more important for
Vika to be highly unpredictable in its visual expression. Providing
the canvas, she allows each individual the opportunity to create a
product which is uniquely their own.
Förster is the creator of many renowned objects in contemporary Swedish design today. She
is highly acclaimed for her inventive creation of Cloud, an inflatable meeting room installation,
and Forest, a room divider that is functional but often perceived as an art installation.
Internationally respected and
prolific, her creativity and
innovation are unmistakable in
her diverse selection of
projects. The Net Bowl, a
departure from the traditional
fruit bowl, has its origin in a
single aluminum sheet; the
sinuous Aurora Candle, produced
for Cappellini, is a stylish
addition to any table; and De
Padova's Circle Lamp is often
described as minimally elegant
with its delicate lithe profile.
glide
Förster has the distinction of being the 'go to' seating
designer for many of Europe's most respected companies.
Often inspired by nature and the desire to work with new
materials and technologies, her designs vary greatly. With
an emphasis on ergonomics, the bent plywood Antelope
Chair for Swedese is sleek and comfortable. Tacchhini's
Glide Chair recalls the fluid transformation of the elements;
the rhythm of waves inspired Förster when creating the Flow
auditorium seating with Itay's Poltrona Frau.
aurora
Förster has been the recipient of numerous awards such as: 2007 Elle Interior Designer of the Year; Designer of
the Year, Sweden 2007 and 2006; Best Product 2005 Time Magazine; and Wallpaper Design Awards 2010 - Best
Centrepiece. Förster is a frequent teacher and lecturer in the field of design at universities and institutions
throughout the world.