Peter Opsvik is a Norwegian furniture designer. He became well known for his design of ergonomic chairs.
Education | Biography
In the 1960s, he studied ergonomics under Ulrich Burandt and in design schools in Bergen and Oslo. In the 1970s, in Britain and Volkwangschule filr Kunstgewerbe, Essen. 1965-70, he was a designer at the Tandberg Radio Factory. Subsequently, he collaborated with Hans Christian Mengshoel on developing ergonomic seating. From 1972, he was a freelance designer.

Ergonomics
Along with Oddvin Rykkens and Svein Gusrud, he was an innovator in the ergonomic stool seating popular in the early 1980s. Opsvik tempered strict functionalism with ergonomics – a human-centred design methodology – in his office furniture designs for the manufacturer Håg.
Tripp-trapp stool
Opsvik is best known for his widely published 1981 Balans Variable ergonomic stool for Stokke. Opsvik based his approach on observation and rejected single static solutions by creating ergonomic designs considering a range of motions. Stokke Fabrikker produced his 1972 Tripp-trapp stool chair. The Tripp-Trapp stool achieved massive export success for Stokke Fabrikker. By 2004 Stokke Fabrikker sold almost 3 million units.
Balans Chair
Opsvik constructed the Balans chair, sometimes called the ‘kneeling chair,’ and was recently used as a computer chair. The sitter must fold their legs and rest on their knees in this chair. This unique position’s practical benefit is to take advantage of the biomechanical advantages of dramatically lowering the thighs to the spine while still allowing people to sit at traditional tables and desks.

Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
Cranz, G., Cress, J., & Abbate, J. S. (1998). The chair rethinking culture, body, and design. W. W. Norton & Company.
Nelson, K. E., & Cabra, R. (2004). New Scandinavian design. Chronicle Books.
Polster, B. (1999). Design directory Scandinavia. Universe.
More on Furniture Designers
Ross Franklin Littell (1924 – 2000) American Textile and Furniture Designer
Ross Franklin Littell (1924 – 2000) was an American textile and furniture designer known for his practical, innovative, and minimalist…
Alessandro Becchi: Icon of Italian Furniture Design
The Anfibio Sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi in 1971, exemplifies Italian radical design with its multifunctional, sculptural form, merging comfort…
Bruno Ninaber van Eyben: Designing Time and Currency in the Netherlands
Bruno Ninaber van Eyben, a prominent Dutch designer, is known for his minimalist approach in creating everyday items like watches…
Giotto Stoppino: An Icon of Italian Postmodern and Neo-Liberty Design
Giotto Stoppino was a key figure in Italian design, fusing modernism with postmodernism, exemplified by his iconic works like the…
Warren McArthur: A Pioneer of Modern Furniture Design
Warren McArthur was a pioneering designer who transformed furniture design through innovative use of tubular metals and modular systems, influencing…
Celebrating the Work of Simo Heikkilä: A Finnish Design Icon
Simo Heikkilä, a Finnish designer, blends industrial aesthetics with comfort, notable for his teaching and innovative designs, including the acclaimed…
Key Features of Stickley Furniture Design
Gustav Stickley, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, pioneered simplistic, functional furniture design, merging craftsmanship with natural…
Pro Finlandia – Order of the Lion of Finland
The Pro Finlandia Medal, established in 1943, honors artists and writers for their contributions to Finnish culture, showcasing the nation’s…
Ebbe Gehl: Icon of Scandinavian Furniture Design
Ebbe Gehl (1943–2023) was a renowned Danish furniture designer known for blending simplicity, functionality, and traditional craftsmanship, significantly impacting modern…
Furniture Design 1940 to the Present in the United States
The evolution of American furniture design since 1940 showcases a shift from traditional craftsmanship to modernism, driven by technology and…
From Geologist to Furniture Designer: Sergio Savarese’s Journey
Sergio Savarese (1958–2006) was an influential Italian furniture designer who co-founded Dialogica, merging classical styles with vibrant designs, leaving a…
Exploring Goddard and Townsend: Newport’s Cabinetmaking Legacy
The Goddard and Townsend families, renowned Quaker cabinetmakers in 18th-century Newport, created the distinguished Newport furniture style, blending craftsmanship with…
Frank Gehry: Visionary Architect of Deconstructivism
Frank O. Gehry, a Canadian architect, is renowned for his innovative, sculptural designs that challenge norms, significantly influencing contemporary architecture…
Frank Gehry’s Power Play Armchair: Transforming Design
Frank Gehry’s Power Play Armchair exemplifies innovative design, merging art and function, challenging material norms, and transforming mundane materials into…
Aldo van den Nieuwelaar: Pioneer of Minimalist Design
Aldo van den Nieuwelaar was a Dutch minimalist designer influential for his geometric works, including the TC6 lamp and A’dammer…
Ronan Bouroullec: Master of Contemporary Design
Ronan Bouroullec, a prominent French designer, has collaborated with his brother Erwan, blending functionality and aesthetics, significantly influencing contemporary design…
Versatile ‘Passage’ Chair: Design Meets Functionality
The ‘Passage’ chair by Ronan Bouroullec combines modern aesthetics with sustainability, featuring customizable options and a versatile design for various…
FSC Certification: Types and Benefits Explained
FSC certification promotes responsible forest management, ensuring products benefit the environment, society, and economy, while enabling consumers to make sustainable…
Werner Aisslinger: Pioneer of Innovative Design
Werner Aisslinger, a German designer, is known for innovative furniture and architecture, emphasizing sustainability and emotional spaces in his notable…
Ilmari Tapiovaara: Master of Finnish Design
Ilmari Tapiovaara was a Finnish designer known for functionalist furniture that harmonizes aesthetics and practicality. His influential works include the…
Arne Vodder: A Legacy in Scandinavian Mid-Century Design
Arne Vodder, a key figure in Scandinavian mid-century design, is known for his timeless furniture creations, emphasis on natural materials,…
Jørgen Gammelgaard (1938-1991): Pioneering Danish Design Master
Jørgen Gammelgaard (1938-1991) was a pivotal figure in Danish design, known for minimalist furniture and lighting designs blending form and…
A Collection of Design for Household Furniture by George Smith
George Smith’s influential work, “A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration,” captures Regency era’s stylistic preferences and…
Jean Burkhalter: The Renaissance Man of Art Deco Design
Jean Burkhalter, a pioneering figure in Art Deco, showcased versatile creativity in textiles and decorative arts, leaving a timeless legacy…
Martin Eisler and the Mid-Century Design Movement
Martin Eisler, a key figure in mid-century modern design, seamlessly blended European tradition and Latin American innovation. His journey and…
Denham McLauren: Mastering Modernism in British Furniture Design
Denham McLauren, a trailblazing British furniture designer, seamlessly integrated traditional craftsmanship with modernist elements. His innovative use of materials and…
Erwine and Estelle Laverne: Pioneers of Mid-Century Modern Design
Erwine & Estelle Laverne were influential mid-century American designers, blending art and functionality in minimalist furniture. Their legacy endures despite…
The Herter Brothers and Their Mark on the Gilded Age of American Design
The Herter Brothers, pioneers of American decorative arts, shaped the opulent Gilded Age aesthetic through integrated interior design and influential…
Gianfranco Frattini: A Master of Modern Italian Design
Gianfranco Frattini (1926-) was a key figure in Italian design, known for his contributions to architecture and industrial design, leaving…
Introduction to Philippe Tabet: A Connoisseur of Material and Form
Philippe Tabet, a renowned artisan, bridges traditional craftsmanship with industrial innovation in design, showcasing a deep connection to materials and…
Adelmo Rascaroli: Bridging the Past and Present in Italian Design
Adelmo Rascaroli, an influential Italian architect and designer, made significant contributions to 20th-century design, particularly in furniture. His work reflects…
Wilhelm Kienzle: Mastering Minimalism and Functionality through the Iconic Safari Chair
Wilhelm Kienzle, a pioneering Swiss designer of the 20th century, is renowned for his iconic safari chairs, reflecting minimalism, functionality,…
Joris Laarman: Sculpting the Future with Technology and Design
Joris Laarman, a Dutch designer, merges art, technology, and design in innovative ways, pushing the boundaries with digital technologies and…
Crafting Elegance in Everyday: The Artistry of Monika Mulder
Monika Mulder, a Dutch furniture designer, draws inspiration from nature, creating playful yet functional designs and receiving international acclaim for…
Paul T. Frankl: The Architect of American Modernism and the Skyscraper Style
Paul T. Frankl, an Austrian-born designer, pioneered American modernism with his iconic Skyscraper style furniture, founding AUDAC, and embracing innovation…
Niels Gammelgaard: Master of Minimalism and Functionality in Danish Design
Niels Gammelgaard, a Danish design icon, left an enduring legacy with his simple, practical creations. His diverse collaborations and products…
The Timeless Elegance of the Nelson Platform Bench: A Fusion of Form and Function
The Nelson Platform Bench, designed by George Nelson, embodies timeless beauty and utility, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and versatility that transcend…
Charles Wilson: The Symphony of Form, Function, and Nature in Australian Design
Charles Wilson, a Sydney-based designer rooted in rural New South Wales, creates functional art honoring natural materials. His designs blend…
The Art of the Curious: Marc Newson’s Cabinet of Curiosities for Louis Vuitton
Australian designer Marc Newson collaborates with Louis Vuitton to create a modern Cabinet of Curiosities, redefining luxury storage and personal…
The Vermelha Chair: A Symbol of Chaos and Craftsmanship
The Vermelha chair by Fernando and Humberto Campana symbolizes innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. It challenges norms and blends traditional…
The Bodice Rocker by Splinter Works: A Symphony of Design, Comfort, and Illusion
Splinter Works introduces the Bodice Rocker, a sculptural chaise-longue challenging perceptions of balance and comfort. Customizable and defying gravity, it’s…
Mingyu Xu: A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation in Furniture Design
Mingyu Xu Studio combines traditional bamboo weaving with modern design, emphasizing sustainability. Xu’s journey and accolades shape a unique, culturally-informed…
Ernő Goldfinger: A Pillar of Modernist Design
Ernö Goldfinger, born in Budapest in 1902, shaped modernist architecture through iconic designs like the Trellick Tower and innovative furniture…
Eames House Bird – Mid Century Adornment
The collage-like interior of Charles and Ray Eames’ private house, the Eames House, was supplemented with countless objects and accessories…
The Artistry of Lee Broom: A Modern Maestro of Design
Lee Broom, a pioneer in luxury furniture and lighting, integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance, redefining design and inspiring future…
Roald Steen Hansen: A Confluence of Danish Design and Craftsmanship
Roald Steen Hansen: A Danish design icon known for timeless furniture, exhibitions in Munich and Viborg, and numerous accolades and…
Antoni Gaudí – A Maestro of Chair Design
Antoni Gaudí’s revolutionary furniture designs, such as the Calvet armchair and Batlló chair, unite form, function, and aesthetics in innovative…
André Verroken – A Symphony of Absurd Logic and Functional Artistry
André Verroken, an award-winning designer, challenges traditional perceptions with his furniture designs, embodying utility and aesthetic appeal through a philosophical…
Alvar Aalto’s Model No. 41 Lounge Chair”
Alvar Aalto’s “Model No. 41” lounge chair, designed between 1929 and 1933 for the Paimio Sanatorium, exemplifies his commitment to…
Paolo Deganello: Pioneering Radical Design
Paolo Deganello, a key figure in radical architecture and design, reshaped Italian design through innovative furniture and collaborations, leaving a…
You may also be interested in
Ulrich Franzen (1921 – 2012) German-born American architect and designer – Encyclopedia of Design
Ulrich Franzen, the German-born American architect, was a leading figure in the first post-war generation of American architects; including Paul Rudolph, Harry Cobb, John Maclane Johansen, and Philip Johnson. Franzen immigrated to the United States with his family in 1936. Franzen was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1921.
Willy Johansson Norwegian Glass Designer – Encyclopedia of Design
Willy Johansson was a (1921- ?) Norwegian glassware designer. Between 1939-42, he studied Statens Handvaerks -og Kunstindustriskole Oslo. His father was at the Hadelands Glassverk, Jevnaker, where Johansson joined the glassmaking workshop in 1936. He was best known for the white rim on his clear or smoked glasswares. Willy Johansson.
Related Articles
Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.