The Kaj Franck Design Prize 2009 to Hannu Kähönen

Industrial designer Hannu Kähönen (born 1948) has received the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2009. Hannu Kähönen graduated in 1971 from the University of Art and Design Helsinki. He is a versatile expert in design, whose perspective ranges from the practical design work to national design policy. He has helped to develop the field through his work in national and international positions of trust. Hannu Kähönen has also written about design and has taught design at the university level.

photo: Liisa Valonen

"Design is no longer the creation and development of new models. Instead, it has become a notable competitive factor. At present it is difficult to find any significant innovations with reference to old concepts. Design today must take note of the environmental issues – the requirements of sustainable design and changing needs of people and a population that is ageing. Pure materials, ecological and service design solutions will stay important issues in the future”, tells Hannu Kähönen.

Padlock series, 1994 Abloy	Ava, Abloy
Scala bus, 1999-2001	Helsinki city tram, 1996-1998
Trice chair, 1980-1985	2F-chair, 2005
Bamboom party fork	Metal detector, 1984
The Kaj Franck Design Prize of 2009 – Hannu Kähönen 30 October–29 November 2009 Design Forum Finland, Erottajankatu 7, Helsinki Free entrance