STEEN ØSTERGAARD

Steen Østergaard (1935) is a Danish industrial designer renowned for his mastery of new materials and focus on serial production. Throughout his career, Østergaard has pursued a highly technical approach, committed to finding new solutions to construction challenges.

After apprenticing as a cabinetmaker, Østergaard enrolled at the School of Arts & Crafts in Copenhagen in 1957. During his time at the school, he became intrigued by the potential of new materials emerging in the post-war era like plastic, fiberglass, and acrylic. In these materials he saw the potential to reimagine traditional ideas and create new, distinctive forms.

From 1962–1964 Østergaard worked as an architect and furniture designer for the Danish architect Finn Juhl. Propelled by his desire for experimentation, he established his own practice in 1966, embarking on a journey of exploration and innovation to push the boundaries of design, materiality, and production. By utilizing mass production techniques, Østergaard created the A-LINE Series (1966)—the world’s first injection molded plastic chair in one piece—that has become an iconic representation of Danish design.

Through organic shapes and playful forms, Østergaard sought to create an inclusive and joyful design experience. His bus shelter (1971) served as one of the earliest mass design encounters for generations of Danes, who became familiar with his work while waiting for the school bus sheltered by a space-age hut. Østergaard’s talent for transforming everyday objects is evident in his imaginative approach to kitchen appliances and the human-sized chess set SKAK (1976). He infused these objects with artistic flair elevating them into sculptural works that transcended their utilitarian purposes. This subversion of traditional expectations is also exemplified by his modular seating systems from the 1970s that captured the essence of contemporary aesthetics.

Throughout his career, Østergaard received critical acclaim. His designs were exhibited around the world, from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City to Milan. While pursuing his own design practice, he also served as lead designer for Cado, France & Son and Abstracta. In 1986, Østergaard moved with his family to Oxford, England, and later, to Flensburg, Germany and the South of France. Today, he resides in Aarhus, Denmark where he leads an active design practice.

Decades ahead of his time, Steen Ostergaard is reknowned for his futuristic Space Age designs.
Iconic in pop culture, Ostergaard´s design symbolizes the spirit of the 1960s and 70s design movements.

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