Mika Tolvanen

Mika Tolvanen

Mika Tolvanen firmly believes that the function of each design determines its appearance, or, as he phrases it, objects are there to be used, not looked at. However, the fact that his designs are oriented to function does not mean that they are not also beautiful. The native Finn who studied at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki and at the Royal College of Art in London designs products that are self-explanatory, uncomplicated, and yet complex in their use. Special attention is paid to the longevity of the products. For example, the use of old PET bottles to create timeless baskets in felt optics for Muuto. Through Studio Tolvanen, which he co-founded in 2015 with his wife Julia, Mika designs furniture, lighting, and other consumer goods for clients as varied as Muuto, Woud, NakNak, and Zanotta. In 2012 Tolvanen was awarded the Bruno Mathsson Prize.