Aslak chair, grey

Artek’s Aslak chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1946, is a veritable design classic whose light and stackable structure makes it an incredibly multifunctional seat for private residences as well as cafés and restaurants. Made of solid beech, the chair features an ergonomic seat and backrest that make sitting comfortable even for an extended period of time – hence, the Aslak chair is also a great choice for an office or conference room.

Known as a pioneer of Finnish design, Ilmari Tapiovaara wanted the chair to merge functionality and economical use of materials. In addition, he aimed at a design language that expressed a certain plasticity which is visible, for example, in the chair’s bended armrests and angular feet. Although Tapiovaara originally designed the chair in the 1940s, it only made it into production in 1958 due to technical advances that facilitated mass production.

Ilmari Tapiovaara

Artek was founded in 1935 by four young idealists – Alvar and Aino Aalto, Nils-Gustav Hahl and Maire Gullichsen published a design manifesto inspired by functionalism, stating that Artek’s aim was “to sell furniture and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means”. Since its foundation, Artek has played in the intersection of design, architecture, and art, making Finnish design and Alvar Aalto's furniture known all over the world.