Deep Design

Mr. Øivind Slaatto has designed objects that have become stand-ins for who he is, but as this exclusive conversation with Portfolio proves, he is much more than the sum of his works

- Mark Almagro

A clear image forms in people’s mind at the mention of BeoPlay A9 speakers and Patera lamps. The name Øivind Slaatto, however, is probably known to a limited circle of design professionals and enthusiasts. But this is comfortable reality for the Danish designer behind these well-known objects. He has always maintained that he is more than the collection of his works.

And, indeed, he is. Mr. Slaatto is a professional musician, a polymath who explores science and the arts with natural facility and, as it happens, often uses them to inform his designs. We spoke to Mr. Slaatto during his recent visit to Singapore.

We may look at you as an international design figure but you represent the culture, and the validity of you being on an international or global stage depends heavily on where you came from, because you have something unique to share.

Especially in a more globalized world that is strongly connected, local culture gets more important. I’m very much aware of it when I name products, so don’t try an English name. When a product has a Japanese or Icelandic name, I find it more interesting, because it says something about the culture it comes from.

Globalization has a way of homogenizing things to the point that we understand each other based on our commonalities, when, in fact, we should be interested in each other’s differences, because they’re really fascinating.

Yes, you’re talking about diversity, and I find that a rich society is one with high cultural diversity. Having dinner with yourself is not very inspiring, but if you are with someone who is much older or younger, a man or a woman, with a different political point of view, and different life experiences, you can have a more stimulating conversation than if you talk to somebody with the same views.