Eero Aarnio

Eero Aarnio was born in Helsinki in 1932.

He went to study at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki and graduated in 1957.

He opened his own design office in 1962 and soon after introduced his Ball chair designs, which were an instant success.

Aarnio’s designs were an important aspect of their era and are a regular feature in 1960s pop culture, especially in science fiction, for which his geometric shapes were suited.

Aarnio remains active as a designer to this day. His most recent creations include children’s toys and furniture.

Aarnio has opened a number of design studios across Finland and one in Germany.

In his long and illustrious career, he has received the following awards:

• Valmet Trade Mark Competition, Helsinki, Finland 1958, First Prize
• International Furniture Competition, Cantu, Italy 1959, Third Prize
• Export Furniture Competition, Helsinki, Finland 1963, Third Prize
• International Competition on Furniture Design, Cantu, Italy 1964, First Prize
• Scandinavian Park and Street Competition 1965, Stockholm, Sweden, First Prize
• Steel Furniture Competition, Helsinki, Finland 1967, Second Prize
• International Design Award of the A.I.D. (American Institute of Interior Designers) for Pastil Chair (Gyro) 1968, New York, USA
• Honorary member of SIO (Finnish Association of Interior Designers) 1999
• The Finland Prize 2005, The Ministry of Education, Finland
• Interior Innovation Award Cologne 2006, Germany
• The ADI Compasso d’Oro Award 2008, for Trioli chair, Italy
• Kaj Franck Design Prize of 2008, Finland
• Red Dot Design Award 2010, for Kubo bright light, Germany
• Pro Finlandia Medal 2010, Finland
• Green GOOD DESIGN 2010, for The Tree, USA
• Red Dot Design Award 2012, for Ghost lamp, Germany
• Prince Eugen Medal 2017, Sweden

Aarnio continues to design and work in Finland.