Mikko Laakkonen

Espoo, Finland, 1974.

Born in: Espoo, Finland, 1974.
Training: University of Art and Design, Helsinki (Master of Arts degree).
Active in the sectors: furniture, product design. Location: studio Mikko Laakkonen (dal/since 2004), Helsinki, www.mikkolaakkonen.com
Exibitions and awards: Abitare con il rame, 2007; Materia e colore/Triennale di Milano; Promosedia Caiazza Memorial Challenge, 2007; Milan Furniture Fair 2007, 2006, 2005; Special mention Design Report awards 2005.
Clients: Covo, Casamania by Frezza, Bosa, Offecct, Pasabahce, Inno, Martela, Selki-Asema.


3 key words for design
Functional: “Il primo dovere di ogni prodotto”. “The first duty of any product”.
Honest: “Un prodotto semplice, buon compagno di vita quotidiana”.“A simple product, a good companion for everyday life”.
Linear: “Un prodotto essenziale, in cui non è necessario aggiungere alcunché”.“An essential product to which nothing needs to be added”.


4 questions
What is your relationship with the idea of sustainable design?
“I try to design objects with a long life cycle: it is the best way to protect the environment and to produce things in a sustainable way”.

Offer an object or an idea to your favorite company: what novelty would you like to bring to its catalogue?
“I’m talking to the art directors of B&B Italia and Magis, my favorite majors: do you have a brief I can work on? I like to come to terms with things in the field”.

What is your favorite material for design?
“It depends on the type of project I’m working on”.

Two design projects that make it all worthwhile?
“Every object is worth designing”.