A Century of Interior Design
Arrow
A Century of Interior Design
museo de arte decorativo 2010
arq. jorge muradas
ph: Vanina Lauria

In this European nook, around the 1950’s, one of the most consistent design movements was formed. Going beyond the actual peninsula, Scandinavia is made up of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Regional values, history, geography, and the culture of this land came together to generate the conditions for the birth of a type of design that clearly fits in with Modernism ideals, although taking a path of its own. Read more

These countries offer several traits: on one hand, Lutheran roots –providing a very special work culture- and a deep-seated belief in democracy. Another Scandinavian characteristic is a very intimate bond with their natural environment which dictates a preference for raw materials; this is the case of fine woods found in surrounding forests; the art of mastering wood was passed down from generation to generation. Finally, a hostile climate throughout most of the year helped to instill a strong concept of domesticity and the ensuing search for rooms that provide a stable sense of serenity. Ultimately, a culture which, for many reasons, felt moved to create simple and luminous interiors, as they also displayed beautiful, practical objects in them, living in harmony with the natural world. This is the context which gives birth to esthetics such as those of Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen and Eero Saarinen, amongst others. In the prologue of a book that stresses his role in the context of Argentine culture, Alberto Churba refers to a “design shock” that takes place when coming into contact with Scandinavia, even upon arrival at the airport in Denmark. Personalities, such as Churba – a designer and smart design buyer- have been introducing the likes of avant-garde, Scandinavian designers in our market in a completely pioneering way. The actual creators are surprised by this fresh view, this far-away appreciation, coming from Latin America, which is interested in them even before more traditional European capitals have legitimized their work. The names which have already reached Argentina are here to stay.

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