architect: Claesson Koivisto Rune
year: 2013
What is your favourite color? What color does your products identify with the most?
It depends on my mood and the situation it is used. For myself I like dark blue clothing, monochrome light interiors and very colorful art. Bold and yes muted.
Light, material, colour: how do the three elements dialogue in your projects?
In this order, I think they reflect the importance they have on our work. First you have body and light, followed by which material we will use and the color derives from what colors look good in this material.
How much does the colour count for the commercial success of a product?
I do think it is important to exaggerate the colours when showing the design in exhibitions and photos, and at the same time giving the user an idea on how they can be used in the space these items are designed for. Go for bold colours in designs you can change after some use, and keep it simple when you choose colors on items and spaces that you will use longer.
What role does colour play when designing a product, and in particular for your Pendant Lamp?
Normally colour comes last in our design process, however in this case it became an extra feature. Magnus asked us to choose some colors for the display in the stand in Stockholm, and we knew we where going to use a textile cord for these Pendant lamps. In our studio we have samples from a company called NUD. Looking at their collection of colors we realized that it was easier to color-match the cords than choosing colours and after that matching it to a cord. We picked ten colours we liked and everyone was amazed by our selection.
