Simplicity, minimalism, and functionality are three pillars that many use to describe “Nordic” Design. But what exactly is Nordic design? In this new series, we will explore and celebrate the influence and evolution of design in each Nordic country (Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden) and consider a national school of design against the idea of pan-Nordic design. Each session will investigate the history of design in the country under consideration, and it will pose the question: What is “Nordic” design?

We are delighted to welcome Susanna Thiel, Chief Curator, Collections, Design Museum, Helsinki and Shelley Selim, Curator of Design and Contemporary Art, Indianapolis Museum of Art, to explore Nordic Design from the Finnish perspective.