This beautiful book examines the design achievements of Finland over the past seven decades, focusing on the central and decisive role played by Modernism. It discusses the work of such renowned architects and designers as Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck, as well as of manufacturers, including Arabia and Marimekko.

"Out of the Blue showcases Finlands unique design culture from legendary figures like Alvar Aalto and heritage manufacturers such as Marimekko, Iittala, Artek, or Nokia to a new contemporary generation of chefs, explorers, makers, and entrepreneurs. The book takes an insightful and entertaining look at the typical Finnish characteristics of inventiveness, community spirit, love of liberty, ongoing transformation, and the free rein to be wacky"--provided by publisher.

"Applied art and design have shaped culture and the economy in Finland since the late 19th century. In this process they have become an integral aspect of the identity and international image of the country. This book outlines the evolution of design in Finland from the founding stages of the 1870s to the beginning of the 21st century. It focuses on its main underlying factors -- industries, training and education, culture, designers and products. Design has operated in the tension between art and industry, and continues to do so, belonging to both but never exclusively to either one."--Publisher's description.

This book examines the outstanding design achievements of Finland over the last seven decades, focusing on the central and decisive role played by Modernism. It is the first volume in English to provide a thorough account of the artistic and cultural qualities of Finnish design as distinguished from the design of its Nordic and other European neighbors. Also considered are the principal ideas, individuals, and influences that combined to produce Finnish modernism, as well as its international reception.

This book - the first comprehensive study of Marimekko designs - presents more than one hundred examples of exuberant Marimekko fashions and home furnishings that gave the company a definitive presence on the world design stage.

Explores the special Finnish version of the man-made in the context of unspoiled nature, of modern design and its relationship to folk styles of the past

Though they are best known to the general public for their furniture, the husband and wife duo of Charles and Ray Eames were also forerunners in the fields of architecture, industrial design, photography, and film. This book covers all aspects of their career.--From book jacket.

Growing out of a 15-year friendship and dialogue between Malcolm Quantrill and Juha Leiviska, this book explores Leiviska's background and influences on his development, including how he draws upon musical forms and ideas as architural inspiration.

An exploration of the parallel development of product and graphic design from the 18th century to the 21st. The effects of mass production and consumption, man-made industrial materials and extended lines of communication are also discussed.