Vodder about his designs

Interview Copenhagen 2009

What is good design to you?

A design must fulfil a need in a functional  way, and at the same time look aesthetically beautiful  –  The more simple the design is the more beautiful it is in my opinion.

If you, for example, take a chair, you must be able to sit on it comfortable in a proper way. And when this is in place then it is important to me that the design is nice to look at – with curves and organic shapes.  Last but not least, the final design must also be nice to touch and therefore produced with materials that completes the design.

 

Why do you think your furniture is still so popular?

It must be the timeless expression in the design. That the quality has been well thought out and that it does not look factory-produced, but looks like real craftsmanship. Organic, aesthetic and beautifully executed.

What is your favorite piece of furniture?

I am happy with all my furniture, but my favorite piece of furniture is the 29A sideboard, which has a bar at one end.

Honors and Accolades

The Award ceremony in 1974

The recievers: Svend E. Jensen, Arne Vodder and Bruno Mathsson

1954

Copenhagen Snedkerlaugs 400 years Exhibition

Designs for Alvin Olsson

1957

Triniale Milano 1957 De Padova S.R.L Monte Napoleone 19

1st. Prize

1959 - 1963

International Exhibitions

Milano 1959 – Bruxelles 1959 –  Rotterdam 1960 – Zürich 1960 – Bern 1960 – London 1963

1974

Recipient af L. F. Foghts Arte Grant

Reciever together with Bruno Mathsson og Svend E. Jensen

1975

Design Consultant UNIDO & UNDP

Consultant and Design adviser in the former Yugoslavia among other assignments