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.
Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av PORTFOLIO Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av PORTFOLIO Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To Have And To Hold
Marquis QSquare has opened its major showroom at a new location in Marina Square.
Meet Brenda Kang Of Revival Vintage Jewels
Popular luxury labels reign supreme in Singapore, but when it comes to jewellery, attitudes are slowly changing, shares Brenda Kang of Revival Vintage Jewels. She reveals that jewellery lovers are unable to resist the charm of vintage and the allure of next generation jewellers.
A New Pony In Town
The Pagani Huayra R may well be a high-tech car disguised as a hypercar.
Modern And Luxurious Good Class Bungalow
Marquis HQO, together with veteran design consultant Patty Mak, come together to breathe life into this modern and luxurious good class bungalow
Bell & Ross's BR 05 - It's Hip To Be Square
The playful shapes of the BR 05 has allowed Bell & Ross to create designs they can proudly call their own
The Lexus ES In Focus
The numbers don’t lie: With a cumulative sales total of over 2.65 million units worldwide, the Lexus ES is a gamechanger in the Lexus range. What’s more, it enjoys the distinction of being the best-selling Lexus sedan in Singapore.
As Good As It Gets
As I’m writing this, Thanksgiving is just round the corner – in 10 days to be exact – and my Thanksgiving dinner plans are still up in the air. Do I take the risk and put in my dinner reservations and have a contingency takeaway dinner plan if Covid dining restrictions are still limited to two?
Festive Feasting For The Holidays
Presenting some of the season’s most sumptuous delights, which can be enjoyed at home or at these top tables and hotels
BENDING TIME
Nathan Yong’s collection of stone art titled ‘Farewell to Reason’ reflects the artist and designer’s search for irreverence, simplicity, and beauty
Restaurants And Chefs That Are Bringing All New Dining Experiences
A selection of familiar restaurants and chefs that are bringing all new dining experiences