Artek Embraces Imperfections in Design with New Stool Collection
Artek, the Finnish brand known for its iconic Stool 60, has taken a bold step in design by releasing a new collection of stools featuring knotholes, insect trails, and more visible wood grain – elements typically considered imperfections. The company calls these unique features “wild birch” editions, a departure from their usual uniform light-blonde birch pieces.
This innovative move comes as a response to changing forests due to climate change and industrialization, prompting Artek to rethink its approach to sourcing and using wood. Marianne Goebl, Artek’s managing director, explains that as the trees they harvest start to look different, the furniture made from them should reflect these changes as well.
The new Stool 60 Villi collection is a collaboration between Artek and the Milanese design consultancy Formafantasma, known for their research on timber. Together, they explored how the company could become more responsive to environmental concerns and embrace imperfections in design.
This shift towards imperfection in design is not new, but it is gaining relevance in discussions about ethical consumption and sustainability. From grocery startups selling imperfect produce to fashion brands using dead-stock fabrics, there is a growing acceptance of embracing flaws as virtues rather than defects.
Designers like Gaetano Pesce and brands like Ikea have previously toyed with imperfection to challenge the pursuit of standardization in design. Now, Artek is joining the movement by introducing deliberately flawed objects on an industrial scale, challenging the notion of perfection in mass-produced items.
As the design industry reevaluates its focus on conformity, Artek’s new approach to using natural materials with imperfections may set a new standard for sustainable and unique design. Other brands like Vitra and Ligne Roset are also leaning into imperfection to create mass-produced items that feel one-of-a-kind.
Ultimately, this movement towards embracing imperfections in design is not just about aesthetics but also about sustainability and creativity. By rethinking waste, reclaiming dismissed materials, and celebrating the uniqueness of natural imperfections, brands like Artek are paving the way for a more sustainable and beautiful future in the furniture industry.
