What is it about the Dutch and design? Why is it that most witty and thought-provoking designers these days all seem to be coming out of the Netherlands? Tord Boontje, Jurgen Bey, Hella Jongerious, Droog… Its hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that unites these different designers ? but there seems to be a certain playfulness to Dutch design which makes it uniquely compelling.
Thanks to a thoughtful tipster, I recently discovered another up-and-coming Dutch design studio called
OOOMs. Based in Eindhoven, the studio works on conceptual, self-initiated furniture and interiors projects. Most of the products featured on the
OOOMs website have some element of irreverent humor to them. There is a rebellious desk that refuses to be closed, various “hats” made from human hair, a device to turn any chair into a rocking chair, and fancy ceramic sex-toys that look like porcelain vases. Out of all the fabulous designs on the OOOMS website, I have to say that the Golden Staples (shown above), the Expect Table/Desk and Rebellious desk (both show below) really take the cake.
For more information, take a look at Oooms.istvan.org
Thanks Thomas!
[...] I know you are out there, since at least seven of you have responded to our reader survey so far. I’d love to hear from anyone (Dutch or not) who is knowledgeable about designy things to do in the Netherlands. As regular readers will know, Inhabitat has a bit of a “thing” for Dutch design. To further explore my interest, I am about to embark on a Dutch design tour this July and am looking for suggestions on where to go, what to do, and who to check out for Inhabitat. [...]
Dutch design, hmmm cultutal? Freedom of thought, 360, not 23 degrees promotes design innovation.
The Dutch have something, so do the Finnish. What’s the common denominator?? Go to Holland, get a place to sit and watch the “parade of design”. I’ll wait for your report.
Hi Andreas-
I don’t totally understand this comment, but are you trying to say that the Netherlands produces better design because it is more open culturally? I think that might something to do with it, but I also think there is a specific cultural quality of humor and playfulness (and not taking yourself too seriously) in the cultural character that is perhaps lacking elsewhere. Anyways, I did just get back from the Netherlands (and Finland) and have some reports on Dutch design:
http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/08/14/interview-relucts-joost-van-brug/
http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/08/13/dutch-design-sustainability-droog/