At this year’s Residence Stora Formpris 2024, Niklas Runesson took center stage as he was awarded the prestigious “Designer of the Year” title. Runesson’s innovative and provocative designs captured the jury’s attention and imagination, resulting in a commendation that highlights his unique ability to challenge the boundaries between art and function.

The jury described Runesson’s work with these words: “Form narratives that move between sculpture and chair, that wobble, grow, that are grotesquely elegant and tactilely organic. Niklas Runesson creates characters that speak to us about the furniture of the future.” This apt characterization illuminates Runesson’s ability to create furniture that is both visually striking and conceptually challenging.

Runesson’s design stands out through its bold exploration of form and material. His work skillfully balances on the edge between the functional and the artistic, creating furniture pieces that could just as easily be exhibited in an art gallery as used in a living room. By incorporating elements of movement, organic growth, and tactile experience into his creations, Runesson challenges our notions of what furniture can be and how it can interact with its users.

The “Designer of the Year” accolade cements Niklas Runesson’s position as a leading figure in Swedish design. His innovative approach and ability to anticipate future design trends make him a worthy recipient of the award and a designer to watch in the coming years.