Scandinavian design has always had a reputation for functionality and simplicity - the five Nordic countries account for only a fraction of the world's population, but designers from the region have played a major role in the world of innovative new products and materials, and in the shapes and forms that truly move the world.

Fun and contemporary, functional Nordic design. Helsinki, Finland's Kallio-district based Anteeksi Design Group visited New York for the ICFF furniture fair in May, invited by Metropolis Magazine. Photographed above at Manhattan's West Side classic, the Cheyenne Diner, by Henrik Olund for issue 13.
For more info:
www.anteeksi.org
www.m4lh2.com
www.com-pa-ny.com

Combining traditional Nordic architecture with new contemporary and creative Scandinavian design solutions: The new home for the two organizations Norsk Form and Norsk Deisignrad opened its doors in February, 2006 - The Norwegian Center for Design and Architecture, renovation by Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor, was featured in issue 14.

Scandinavian simplicity and Nordic ingenuity in a wide range of architectural and design solutions: Finnish-Swedish designer Eero Koivisto's name is familiar to design and architecture aficionados around the world - interviewed for our issue 12. Together with his partners Marten Claesson and Ola Rune, Koivisto works for clients like Asplund, Cappellini and Swedese.  The firm was also responsible for the Swedish Ambassador's residence in Berlin, the new Gucci and Louis Vuitton stores in Stockholm and more recently the Sfera Building culture house in Kyoto, Japan.