The Ball Chair, a hollow sphere mounted on a stand, brought Eero Aarnio international attention after its debut at the 1966 Cologne furniture fair. Born in Helsinki in 1932, the Finnish designer established his professional office in 1962, following his graduation from the Institute of Industrial Arts in 1960. His work remains synonymous with 1960s modernism and industrial innovation.
Material Innovation
Aarnio utilized plastic and fibreglass to create furniture defined by simple geometric forms. His experimentation with these materials allowed for unconventional shapes, such as the sphere of the Ball Chair. The Bubble Chair, a clear, spherical seat suspended from above, further demonstrated his focus on spatial design. Other notable molded furniture items included the Pastille chair and the Tomato Chair, the latter of which featured a seat supported by three distinct spheres.
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The visual language of Aarnio's work aligned with the aesthetics of 1960s popular culture, frequently appearing in the sets of science-fiction films. Beyond seating, his portfolio includes the Screw Table, designed to resemble a flat head screw inserted into the floor. In more recent years, his focus expanded to include children's furniture and toys, such as the Trioli, which functions as both a rocking horse and a chair.
Professional Recognition
Over his career, Aarnio received multiple accolades for his contributions to industrial design. He was awarded the American Industrial Design award in 1968 and the Compasso d'Oro in 2008 for his Trioli design. Further honors include the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2010, the Kaj Franck Design Prize in 2008, and the Prince Eugen Medal. In 2016, the manufacturing firm Eero Aarnio Originals was established to produce his original designs.
Fast facts
- Born: 1932, Helsinki, Finland
- Education: Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Notable works: Ball Chair, Bubble Chair, Pastille chair
- Award: American Industrial Design award (1968)
- Award: Compasso d'Oro (2008)
- Award: Kaj Franck Design Prize (2008)
- Award: Pro Finlandia Medal (2010)
- Established: Eero Aarnio Originals (2016)
Questions readers ask
What materials did Eero Aarnio prioritize in his furniture design?
He focused on plastic and fibreglass to achieve simple, bold geometric forms.
What is the Trioli?
It is a design for children that combines a rocking horse with a small chair.
Achievements
- Notable work: Ball Chair
- Notable work: Bubble Chair
- Notable work: Pastille chair
- Educated at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Worked as designer, architect and furniture designer
