Basic and humble in its design, and therefore timeless. Stool 60, the product by Artek created by Alvar Aalto, reaches its 90th year. Reflecting the ideals of modernism and innovation “made in Finland,” the piece’s endless timeliness is the result of the original vision of its designer, in a universal object that has continued across times, trends, destinations and uses.
Produced entirely in birch, it was originally designed in 1933, and since then it has remained in production without modification of the form or the materials, as a balanced combination of craftsmanship and modern production techniques.
In 48 manufacturing phases, the birch from Finnish forests is bent to obtain the characteristic L-shaped leg, while the scrap materials from this process are utilized to make the circular seat. The parts are few in number, to facilitate transport, which becomes economical and ecological.
For the 90th anniversary, Artek has created three limited editions of Stool 60, each reflecting one of its structural aspects and virtues: the unique construction and values of responsible production, the beauty and variety of Finnish wood, and the ageless longevity of Stool 60, with its low environmental impact.
Stool 60 Kontrasti emphasizes the ingenious construction, marking the bends and workmanship with contrasting hues that also return in the seat (available from 13 March).
Stool 60 Loimu brings out natural beauty: it is produced with an exceptionally rare type of birch, featuring undulated grain resembling a flame (available from September).
Photo © Rasmus Dengso
Photo © Rasmus Dengso
Finally, in collaboration with Formafantasma, the Stool 60 Villi encourages more responsible use of the raw material: rethinking the present rigid criteria of selection of the birch wood, the limited edition reveals the impact of climate change on forests and the consequences for wooden products. Stool 60 Villi features a new selection of the wood, known as “wild birch,” to shed light on the honest and authentic beauty of the material, where defects like marks or knots are left visible. A product available starting in September, which from 2024 will become part of the Artek collection.
