Björn Dahlström

Björn Dahlström is among
Scandinavia’s most successful names
in graphic and industrial design.
Dahlström founded his own design
company in 1982,focusing on graphic
design. Today, Dahlström mainly
concentrates on industrial design.
The wide range of products he has
designed comprises furniture,
cookware, toys, bicycles, drills
and other construction equipment.
The list of his clients includes
such wellknown companies as Atlas
Copco, Magis, Krups and Iittala.
Dahlström has also held a
professorship at the Konstfack
University College of Arts,
Crafts and Design and has taught
at the Beckmans College of Design
in Stockholm.

Björn Dahlström, how did you become a designer?
I have always been interested in constructing, curious on how things work. Early on, I thought that I would
become an engineer. I also had another big interest, drawing and painting. Later in life, I realised I could combine these two interests by working as a designer.

When did you first design for Marimekko?
The collaboration started recently, at the beginning of 2006.

Please describe your design process.
My design process can be different depending on the project. It can be industrialised and driven by
collaboration with the engineering and development departments. It can also be very intuitive or researching
and based on my own ideas. When designing for Marimekko, I was testing the idea of applying the 3D
software that I normally use for industrial design projects to make graphic patterns. I wanted to use the
mathematical qualities and high repeatability to produce a graphic pattern with fine detail. I have worked with these ideas on and off for a little more than a year.

How would you describe your style as a designer?
I think my style is quite basic; I am interested in experimenting with archetypes. There is definitely a
graphic side to all my designs, whether they are industrial equipment, furniture or textiles.
I like my designs to be clear and communicative.

What do you think is the most important quality of a designer?
I think it is important to listen and to have the ability to put oneself in the place of the user. Design cannot be
all about style, things have to function.

Where would you like to see your patterns used?
I find public environments interesting. I would be very happy to see the clear colours of the Stilla pattern in a
hospital, for example. I imagine that the simple colourways of this pattern are positive and can spread some inspiration and warmth without interfering with activities.

What is it like to work for Marimekko?
It is always most rewarding to work with people who are real professionals and who know exactly what they are doing. I like learning, and I see every new project as an
opportunity to learn. Working with the Marimekko staff has been an interesting experience for me; I have
handed over my design work and in exchange received some of their knowledge.

How would you describe yourself? What inspires you?
It is always difficult to describe oneself. I think I am a dedicated person; I always try to learn something from every new situation. Privately, I am quite low-key. I am
inspired by art, architecture, nature and technical development. I am happy when I feel that I have
learned something.