Yrjö Kukkapuro’s Experiment lounge chair: Hem revives a postmodern 80s classic
Relaxed and radical – originally introduced in 1984, the Experiment lounge chair challenged the design conventions of its time.
ONE OF FINLAND’S MOST ICONIC furniture designers, Yrjö Kukkapuro is celebrated for his forward-thinking creations. He’s particularly remembered for his expressive chairs – Karuselli, Remmi, Moderno, and many others – which have played a significant role in shaping the Finnish design landscape over the decades.
Among Kukkapuro’s internationally acclaimed works is the Experiment lounge chair, first introduced in 1982. Its striking design and vibrant details epitomize the postmodern style of the 1980s, a movement that rejected the rigid minimalism of modernism in favor of playful forms, bright colors, and an uninhibited blending of various styles and eras.
Now, with its relaunch in October 2024, the Experiment lounge chair is making its return to the world, thanks to Swedish brand Hem.
With Swedish brand Hem’s relaunch, the Experiment chair is now bringing a joyful touch of 1980s retro to a new generation.
The chair’s structure is built around a tubular chrome frame, which supports the seat in a comfortably laid-back yet upright position.
In the updated versions, the materials and colours have been subtly refreshed, and a new black armrest option has been added to the lineup.
Among the new upholstery options, the brightest one is a rich ultramarine blue fabric.
From Milan to the world
Known as a master of functionalism, Kukkapuro’s design philosophy has always been about balancing artistic expression with practicality. This is evident in the Experiment chair, which exudes both functional precision and boldly expressive, boundary-pushing playfulness.
When the Experiment lounge chairs were first unveiled at the Milan Furniture Fair in 1982, they quickly generated buzz and attracted media attention around the world. By 1984, Finnish company Avarte had begun production, and the chairs soon became recognized as postmodern design classics throughout the 1980s.
Yrjö Kukkapuro pictured in the 1980s alongside the Experiment chairs and coffee tables.
The Experiment chairs marked the beginning of Kukkapuro’s postmodern period, when bold colors and shapes became a recurring theme in his furniture. The photo shows the original Experiment chairs with white upholstery.
Kukkapuro himself has described the success of the 1982 Milan Fair as the greatest achievement of his long career. And his career has indeed seen many high points, from winning the 1966 Lunning Prize – the “Nobel Prize” of Scandinavian design – to receiving the Kaj Franck Prize in 1985, as well as having his work included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
• Read the story: Yrjö Kukkapuro’s studio is a source of limitless inspiration >
Crisp lines and playful details
Avarte stopped producing the Experiment chairs in 1995, and for almost three decades, the iconic pieces remained out of circulation. That is, until Hem decided to take on the challenge of reviving this 80s classic and bringing it back to the market.
Closely involved in the design process were Yrjö Kukkapuro himself and his daughter Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom, whose book, The Blue Door: Yrjö Kukkapuro Life & Work, was published just recently.
With the re-release, the 1980s muted green has been updated to a more vibrant forest green, but the armrest’s winding shape remains unchanged.
The original dark blue hue has softened into water blue. Two black upholstery options are now available: wool fabric and semi-aniline leather.
The bright red, symbolizing fire, creates a bold contrast against the light beige upholstery.
Hem and the Kukkapuros aimed to preserve the original spirit of the Experiment series while updating the chair’s comfort, proportions, and materials to meet today’s standards. Like the original version, the lounge chair features a chrome tubular frame with a wooden core, cushioned and upholstered in either leather or fabric.
The signature look is completed by wooden armrests in playful, wavy shapes. Depending on the model, the waves either subtly decorate the rectangular structure or flow along the entire length of the armrest. In addition to the original primary colors, each representing a natural element – red for fire, green for trees, and blue for lakes – a sleek new black armrest option has joined the mix. Did you already decide on your favorite?
See also:
• All products by Yrjö Kukkapuro >
• All products by Hem >
Text: Nora Uotila Images: Hem
Published on 16 Oct, 2024
