Interview with Designer Mikko Laakkonen by QP magazine Türkiye

January 2022 / Media relations is curated by 700DCC

In the design discipline that you started as a musical instrument maker, you later focused on the furniture concept. How would you interpret the relationship between these two different art themes?

Both require a good eye for shapes and forms. I also think that both need a good sense of rhythm. And then of course when you make musical instruments you need to work with your hand and also understand many production methods and materials. Those things help a lot when you design a product.

 

Do you think Finnish design technique and aesthetics influence your work? If you had grown up in another geography, would you have the same point of view?

Sure, the fact that I have grown and lived in Finland most of my life has made me who I am and how I design. I think if I lived in, for example, Istanbul I might do a totally different design. The cliché would be to say that there would be more decorativeness in my works. That may be the case. In Finnish design education; the emphasis is strongly on functionality and simplicity. Those are also key things when I design a product. I always try to create objects which: work as well as possible for their intended purpose, are beautiful and also long-lasting.

 

Who are the name or names that you think you feed in terms of design?

I really like the work of Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. I think they often nail the combination of functionality and aesthetics. My all-time heroes in design are Eames. I admire how many fields of design they worked in and how beautiful and functional products they created. For the same reasons, I have also mentioned Alvar and Aino Aalto.

 

The multitude of international awards in the portfolio is remarkable. What are the elements you consider in the relationship between design and culture?

Thank you for your kind words. I always like to know my clients and where they are coming from, what their background is. I'm very interested to learn how people live in different cultures and how they do their daily things. What I have learned is that in the end, people are all the same, they do the same basic things with the same basic reasons. So, for example, if I design a chair. If that chair is good to sit on and it is quiet rather than pretentious, that proposal fits in many different cultures.

 

What are the tricks of staying in long-term cooperation with brands? What are the factors affecting your decision to design on behalf of a brand?

In my opinion, the secret of long-term cooperation is mutual trust and also that both think that it is fun to work together. The fact that both know each other well makes everything much smoother.

In the perfect scenario. First, I like to meet people with whom I intend to work. Also, people who will make decisions related to new products in the brand. After that, if we both think that is going to be a good thing we start to work. I believe that good relationships with the people from the company and designer are key to creating successful products. I can not do my work without good people from clients. And clients can not do what they think without a good designer.

 

Where is the center of design as a location for you?

It is of course here in Fiskars village in Finland...Can I really say something else :) To be serious I think this fragmented world has so many centers of design. For me, Italy is still important. But I also think that the world of design has turned its attention more and more to the edge of Europe and also Asia.

 

What do you enjoy designing the most?

I enjoy designing everyday products. Objects which people really use in their everyday life. I believe that the fundamental function of design is to design things that enrich people’s daily lives.

 

It is a fact that we have left the classical methods aside with technology. How is your working process shaped?

Well, actually my process has shaped that I draw more by hand than I did a few years ago. I combine 3D modeling with hand drawing which I feel is more effective.

I also think that some classical methods like making real-size mock-ups and prototypes within the client workshop are in the end more efficient than sending many rendered pictures and endless emails.

 

Sustainability is now one of the main topics of many concepts. What is the concept of design in general terms and what are the ecological implications of your designs?

I believe that the first thing is not to do any trendy, throwaway products whose lifespan is short. I want to create products that create an emotional bond with the user. Those products last longer. That is of course hard task to do, but I dry my best. I also like to use natural and renewable materials because they age beautifully and also are often healthier. Often those materials are also easier to repair.

 

Is there a project you are currently working on?

I am working all the time on several projects. I have many furniture projects which are here in Finland, Italy, and also in China. I am also working on one musical instrument-related project. And also, I work as an art director and help some companies with their work. I love İstanbul for that reason I am supporting 700DCC (design communication consultancy) design projects.

 

Is there a routine you follow when you want to relax?

I play guitar or listen to music. I love to be in the forest, and I dry come there as often as I can. I also play with my kids and make food.

 

Is there a movie that you never get tired of watching and that you interpret differently each time?

Not really a movie but I have some records like JJ Cale Really which I don't ever get tired of.

 

Do you have any objects that you have designed for yourself? If so, what was the last thing you designed?

Yes, I do projects/objects for therapeutic purposes:) Lastly, I make guitar amplifiers and design cabinets for that. I also did design and made a pedalboard for my guitar pedals.