Furniture design as a branch of architecture
Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) was born in Copenhagen in Denmark in 1903. He worked as an architect and professor of architecture, but his focus was on furniture design. As an active designer and teacher, he had a major influence on Danish furniture design. Today, his furniture is regarded as a modern classic – elegant and functional, with a special attention to detail.
Ole Wanscher placed particular emphasis on construction and form, and always saw furniture design as a branch of architecture. He created his best-known pieces mainly between the late 1940s and the early 1960s. He was interested in high-quality, industrially produced furniture and, in line with his belief that good design should be available to everyone, designed several such pieces himself.
Wanscher's designs are characterised by slender dimensions and sturdy forms. His chairs often feature narrow, gently curved armrests that taper to an elegant point and then drop straight down to the floor.