Steen Østergaard, born in 1935, is a distinguished Danish designer celebrated for his innovative contributions to furniture design. His work seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with ergonomic functionality, reflecting a deep understanding of materials and production techniques.
Education
Østergaard began his journey in design as an apprentice cabinetmaker, honing his craftsmanship skills. In 1957, he pursued formal education in furniture architecture at the School of Arts & Crafts in Copenhagen, graduating with the highest honours. His early recognition included winning first prize in an international furniture design competition commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Danish Upholstery Guild. (Design Addict)
Professional Career
From 1962 to 1965, Østergaard worked alongside renowned architect and designer Finn Juhl, gaining valuable experience in modernist design principles. In 1966, he established his studio, embarking on innovation and experimentation. (Ostergaard Design)
Advertisement for Chair 290
Chair 290 designed by Steen Ostergaard 26 Oct 1975, Sun The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) Newspapers.com
Notable Designs
One of Østergaard’s most iconic creations is the Model 290 chair, introduced in 1966. This chair was groundbreaking as the first to be injection-moulded in a single piece using polyamide-nylon, achieving a production cycle of just 132 seconds. Its sleek, cantilevered form and stackable design made it aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. (Design Addict)
Another significant work is the “President” lounge chair, designed in 1968. This piece features a moulded plastic frame with deep, upholstered seating, embodying the futuristic aesthetics of the Space Age era. The “President” chair gained cultural prominence by appearing in the original “Star Trek” television series and being utilized at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. (1stDibs)
Cada produced a stacking chair and other plastic models.
- His work was shown at the Kunstindustrimuseet, Stockholm, in 1962 and 1964,
- Erikholm in 1965,
- London in 1970,
- Milan in 1971,
- Boutique Danoise in Paris in 1972.
- He was awarded the first prize at the 1963 furniture fair in Cantu,
- 1966 Johannes Krøiers prize, and
- recognition in San Cataldo in 1966.
Design Philosophy
Østergaard’s design philosophy emphasizes the harmonious integration of form and function. He is known for his meticulous attention to ergonomics, ensuring that his furniture appeals visually and provides exceptional comfort. His innovative use of materials, particularly plastics, allowed for mass production without compromising on quality or design integrity. (Nielaus)
Legacy and Influence
Østergaard’s work has been exhibited globally throughout his career, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Deutsches Museum in Munich. His designs continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and are sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide. (1stDibs)
Steen Østergaard’s contributions to design exemplify the successful fusion of innovative materials, production techniques, and ergonomic principles, leaving a lasting impact on furniture design.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
Love, D., Love, D., & Sarramon, C. (2000). Yesno design: Discover your decorating style with taste-revealing exercises and examples. Rizzoli. https://amzn.to/3yN9YfT
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