Hannes Wettstein (1958 – 2008) Swiss Furniture Designer

Hannes Wettstein featured image

Hannes Wettstein (1958 – 2008) was a Swiss Architect and Designer. He did corporate design, interiors and architecture. Apart from furniture, lamps and accessories, he designed professional sound equipment and watches. 

Biography | Hannes Wettstein

He started to work for Cassina in 1994 with his Juno bed, and some more recent projects were presented in 2003. Since 1991 he has also taught; he was a lecturer at the ETH of Zurich and taught at the Hochschule fur Gestaltung in Karlsruhe.

His studio, zed was based in Zurich and designed faucets, cameras and watches as well as stark geometric sofas for Cassina.

“That there is only one race it is the human race.”

Angelica Dass

Recognition | Hannes Wettstein

He garnered much attention after winning honours and contests, such as the Compasso d’Oro in 2004 for his Dada Nomis kitchen. Wettstein completely matured as a designer and architect in 1991, when he founded his interdisciplinary studio, Zed, by building his corporate image and designing architectural projects.

Hannes Wettstein designed the Swiss Embassy in Tehran and Washington DC, Berlin’s Grand Hyatt hotel chain. Cassina, UMS Pastoe, Shimano, Baleri Italia, Artemide, and the Molteni Group were among the big names in international design with whom he collaborated. He joined 9D Design as a co-founder in 1993. Today, “the Hannes Wettstein Studio,” where his team works, honours his artistic and design legacy.

Highlights of Career

  • 1980 Belux, Snodo
  • 1982 Belux, Metro
  • 1987 Baleri Italia, Juliette
  • 1990 Baleri Italia, Caprichair
  • 1994 Ventura, v-matic
  • 1995 – 1998 Berlin Grand Hyatt
  • 1997 – 2002 EST, Bikes
  • 1999 – 2008 horgenglarus, Art Direction
  • 2000 Lamy, Scribble / Cassina, Globe / Molteni, Alfa
  • 2000 – 2008 Carl Zeiss, Optical Instruments
  • 2002 Ventura, v-tec Alpha / Bulo, Double You / Dada, Nomis
  • 2002 – 2006 Swiss Embassy, Washington D. C.
  • 2003 Cassina, Hola / Molteni, Reversi
  • 2004 horgenglarus, Lyra
  • 2004 – 2008 Juwelier Kurz, Zürich & Basel
  • 2005 – 2008 SF, TV Studios
  • 2005 Lamy, Studio / Accademia, Vela
  • 2007 Max Design, Tototo / Belux, Scope / Erik Jørgensen, Delphi
  • 2008 LaPalma, Metis / Molteni, Turner

Sources

Cassina. (n.d.). Home. Cassina. Retrieved October 31, 2021, from https://www.cassina.com/it/en/contemporanei/hannes-wettstein.html.

Hannes Wettstein – Molteni designer. Molteni&C. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2021, from https://www.molteni.it/en/designer/hannes-wettstein.

More Furniture Designers

  • Fredericia: A Triumph of Danish Design and Innovation

    Fredericia: A Triumph of Danish Design and Innovation

    Fredericia, a Danish furniture company, thrived post-WWII through strategic collaborations, innovative designs, and visionary business strategies, highlighting the transformative power of design in shaping brand identity. The brand moulded global design trends while maintaining its unique aesthetics and functionality. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Fontana Arte: A Journey Through Glass and Light

    Fontana Arte: A Journey Through Glass and Light

    Fontana Arte, established in the 1930s by Gio Ponti, is a cornerstone of Italian design. Despite post-war challenges and shifts in ownership, the brand consistently maintains quality and creativity, further enhancing their prestige through collaborations with renowned designers and continuously innovating their product offerings. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Uwe Fischer: A Unique Blend of Function and Aesthetics in Design

    Uwe Fischer: A Unique Blend of Function and Aesthetics in Design

    German furniture and lamp designer, Uwe Fischer, balanced market demands and craft-making, resulting in Ginbande Design. Ginbande creations symbolize versatility and functionality, influencing the Neues Deutsches Design movement. Post-Ginbande, Fischer continued creating adaptable designs and conducted object perception research. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Yngve Ekström: Scandinavian Modernism through Furniture Design

    Yngve Ekström: Scandinavian Modernism through Furniture Design

    Swedish furniture designer Yngve Ekström significantly contributed to the Scandinavian Modernism movement, most famously with the “Lamino” armchair. Co-founder of Swedese, Ekström’s designs emphasize simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Yves Béhar: A Visionary Fusion of Function and Aesthetics

    Yves Béhar: A Visionary Fusion of Function and Aesthetics

    Famed designer Yves Béhar employs a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality in public office landscapes. Discover his inspiring journey.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Anker Bak: A Journey from Carpentry to Innovative Design

    Anker Bak: A Journey from Carpentry to Innovative Design

    Born in 1983, Anker Bak reshapes design through his unique craftsmanship and understanding of functionality, honed through a journey from carpentry to innovative design. His notable creations, like the wooden crutch and Rocking Nest Chair, highlight his blending of minimalism, functionality, and aesthetic beauty.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Exploring the Vibrant World of Bethan Laura Wood

    Exploring the Vibrant World of Bethan Laura Wood

    The blog post discusses the prolific career of Bethan Laura Wood, an internationally recognized English designer known for her uniquely vibrant and sculptural works spanning jewellery, furniture, decorative objects, and lighting, demonstrating a blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Bernardo Gómez-Pimienta: A Maestro of Multifaceted Design

    Bernardo Gómez-Pimienta: A Maestro of Multifaceted Design

    Bernardo Gómez-Pimienta, a globally influential figure, blends architecture with furniture design. Born in Belgium and based in Mexico, his works reflect his international background and his focus on functional aesthetics. His career includes academia, architectural identity projects, and award-winning designs. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Hlynur Atlason: Bridging Icelandic Sensibilities & Industrial Design

    Hlynur Atlason: Bridging Icelandic Sensibilities & Industrial Design

    Born in Reykjavik, Hlynur Atlason is an acclaimed industrial designer, best known for his research-driven approach and culturally-informed designs. He runs ATLASON Studio based in New York and teaches at Parsons.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Richard Hutten: Humor and Functionality in “No Sign of Design”

    Richard Hutten: Humor and Functionality in “No Sign of Design”

    Richard G. J. Hutten is a renowned Dutch industrial designer known for his blend of function, humor, and sustainability. His influential “No Sign of Design” philosophy and materials in line with the circular economy make his work not only aesthetically appealing but also ecologically responsible.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Paolo Buffa: A Maestro of Mid-Century Italian Furniture Design

    Paolo Buffa: A Maestro of Mid-Century Italian Furniture Design

    Paolo Buffa, influential mid-century Italian designer, is known for his fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics. Trained at Milan’s Polytechnic Institute and mentored by Gio Ponti, his acclaimed works now define the era and remain popular among collectors. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Marco Acerbis: The Architect of Versatility in Modern Design

    Marco Acerbis: The Architect of Versatility in Modern Design

    Marco Acerbis, a stalwart in architecture and design, carved a unique career path beginning with prestigious Foster+Partners, before starting an independent, Italian practice. A proponent for interdisciplinary design, Acerbis promotes sustainability and uses advanced technology, shaping the landscape of modern design.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Fred Lowen: A Pioneer in Australian Furniture Design

    Fred Lowen: A Pioneer in Australian Furniture Design

    Fred Lowen, a German-Australian designer and Holocaust survivor, left a significant legacy in Australian design. His celebrated collections including SC Series, Narvik, Fleronde and Twen, intertwine personal history, aesthetics, and functionality. His life and work represents the transformative power of design. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby: Shaping Design

    Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby: Shaping Design

    Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, renowned architects and designers, apply their architectural prowess to create diverse, universal designs, spanning from buildings to furniture. Their works, featured globally in museums and collections, demonstrate a blending of function, form, and aesthetic.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Michael McCoy: Bridging Theory and Practice in Industrial Design

    Michael McCoy: Bridging Theory and Practice in Industrial Design

    Michael McCoy is a renowned American designer and educator. Notably successful in practical product design and academia, his lasting influence extends from furniture to semantics. His approach has reshaped the understanding of design, encouraging exploration of linguistics meaning of objects, and questioning over solutions.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: A Look at Rikke Frost

    The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: A Look at Rikke Frost

    Rikke Frost, an iconic Danish designer, skillfully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Her celebrated Sideways Sofa, a collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, showcases her deep understanding of materials and their narrative potency. Frost’s work, marked by adaptability for modern production and quick innovation, has earned her widespread recognition and accolades. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Vilhelm Lauritzen: The Architect of Danish Modernism

    Vilhelm Lauritzen: The Architect of Danish Modernism

    Vilhelm Lauritzen, a pioneer of Danish Modernism, revolutionized architecture with a philosophy of functionality and aesthetic grace. His influential projects, such as Copenhagen Airport and Radiohuset, and interior designs showcase his versatility. His legacy continues to impact globally.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Avril de Pastre: Melding Art and Functionality in Design

    Avril de Pastre: Melding Art and Functionality in Design

    Avril de Pastre, a French designer, is renowned for merging art with functionality. With a formidable academic background, she contributes to contemporary design, focusing on aesthetic and practical improvements to domestic spaces. Her work, frequently exhibited, includes her acclaimed Solveig Light collaboration. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Alfonso Milá: A Legacy of Spanish Design and Architecture

    Alfonso Milá: A Legacy of Spanish Design and Architecture

    Explore the enduring legacy of Spanish architect Alfonso Milá, who, along with Federico Correa, shaped the Barcelona design landscape. From the Modern Movement influences to their iconic projects and contributions to industrial design, discover how their friendship and collaboration enriched the world of design.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Rediscovering Claudio Salocchi: A Maestro of Italian Design

    Rediscovering Claudio Salocchi: A Maestro of Italian Design

    Explore the legacy of Claudio Salocchi, an Italian design maestro who blended innovation and tradition across furniture, lighting, and architecture.Read More →


    Learn More →


❤️ Receive our newsletter

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.