Monocle on Design Artek at 90, Michael Bennett and Dennis Cheung
Oct 7, 2025
Marianne Goebel, Artek’s managing director stewarding the brand and archive. Michael Bennett, former NFL player turned spatial designer focusing on inclusive, community-driven spaces. Dennis Chung, founder of Studio Wright inspired by bamboo craft and Hong Kong identity. They discuss Artek’s material and archival work. They explore designing for diverse bodies, community healing spaces, and reclaimed bamboo lighting.
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Perfectionism Caused Waste In Timber Production
- Industry push for visual uniformity in the 1980s–90s led to wasteful elimination of natural timber features.
- Goebel says Artek reversed this, partnering with Forma Fantasma to better align production with Finnish forest realities.
Use Collaborations To Invent New Making Techniques
- Collaborate with culturally aligned brands to push craft and techniques forward rather than doing predictable tie-ins.
- Artek spent nearly three years with Marimekko translating textile architecture patterns into birch marquetry that changes with light.
Bring Back Archive Pieces That Solve Today's Needs
- Archive revivals should mix nostalgia with present-day utility; some designs are 'gems' while others remain period pieces.
- Artek reissued fan-leg stools for fans and resurrected Aalto's flexible room divider for hybrid modern living.