JAIME HAYON

Hayon’s Spanish heritage and sense of humour are inherent in everything he creates, from lounge to dining chairs. Born in Spain (1974) and taking inspiration from different cultural sources ranging from baroque, circus and skateboard culture, Hayon’s body of work conveys warmth, humour and playfulness. Young Hayon immersed himself in skateboard culture and graffiti art, the foundation of the detailed, bold-yet-whimsical imagery still evident in his work. After studying industrial design in Madrid and Paris, he joined Fabrica academy in 1997 where he worked closely with the legendary Oliviero Toscani and quickly progressed from student to Head of Design. Eight years later, Hayon independently released a collection of designer toys, ceramics and furniture, followed by interior design, installations and art pieces. Hayon’s approach to design and art has enriched the Fritz Hansen collection since 2011 with a series of enduringly popular designs. From decorative items such as vases and candleholders to spatial defining sofas, tables and chairs, Hayon pieces create unique and joyful atmospheres.

Q&A with Jaime Hayon

The artist and designer shares his views on good design and the feeling of home.

Question #1?

"Good design is primarily design that lasts. Design must have something to say. It must be able to improve our quality of life, and it must be meaningful. But for me, design is not just about function. It is also about feelings, and I like if it provokes a little and can challenge our way of life."

Question #2?

"Yes, I would say. The Danes have a very unique approach to furniture design. The Nordic understanding of nature and of using natural materials in furniture design is deeply rooted in you. You know how to bring nature inside because your furniture is made of natural materials such as wood, stone and leather. These natural materials instinctively give a nice feeling, but it is also about the craftsmanship, that a piece of furniture is upholstered in a way so that it embraces you and makes you feel comfortable, that the finish is perfect. The Danes are exceptionally skilled at this."

Question #3?

"A room is homey when the lighting and the atmosphere come together, when the music matches the place and when the combination of colours and light makes me feel happy. But I would also like to be able to feel what is happening outside. I do not like being confined to rooms that are closed up, where daylight is excluded or where materials and furniture are cold, or where I get cold feet"

Question #4?

"Yes, and for the simple reason that we spend more time outdoors in the south. In the north, you spend more time indoors and therefore your homes are more important to you. You put more effort into the decoration of your homes than we do in southern Europe. But the feeling of home–to have a pleasant fragrance, the scent of wood for example, when you walk into a home, the pleasant sensation of daylight–is universal and for me, some of the most important factors when we talk about home."

Question #5?

"Furniture can greatly contribute to the creation of a home – if it is comfortable, high quality and wellplaced. There is nothing better than a couch near a fireplace in the afternoon on a winter day with some tapas, a glass of wine and good friends."