Danish design Archives

At Optima, our passion for Modernism shines through in all aspects of design, from the art we hang on the walls to the furniture we select. For Optima Kierland Apartments, we handpicked standout statement pieces from Danish furniture designer SOFTLINE, including the modular sofa and sculptural bench pictured above.

SOFTLINE started in Denmark in 1979 with a commitment to creating innovative, iconic and high-quality furniture. True to the essence of Modernist design, their pieces explore the limits of form and function. While their furniture unabashedly explores sculptural forms, SOFTLINE places an emphasis on modular furniture that’s able to be arranged in a variety of configurations and used for many purposes. And of course, each piece is swathed in a bold color as a finishing touch.

The amenity floor at Optima Kierland Apartments features Pierce, a bench designed by Karim Rashid for SOFTLINE. Rashid describes the bench’s undulating form as sensual and sculptural. Pierce is made up of two interconnected pieces that can’t exist without one another, creating an integral equilibrium that defies gravity. Rashid himself has been dubbed by Time magazine as “the most famous industrial designer of all the Americas” and the “Prince of Plastic.”

Playing perfect complement to Pierce is the striking blue modular sofa, PLANET. The highly adaptable modular sofa was designed for Softline by Stine Engelbrechtsen so that those employing the piece can “create their own universe.” PLANET’s simple design and soft edges embody the ultimate in comfort, while the silver metal legs give the airy effect of the sofa hovering just above the ground. At Optima Kierland Apartments, we configured PLANET’s modular pieces so that residents can privately enjoy a section for quiet time, or convene together comfortably.

These eye catching pieces are the perfect place for residents to relax or meet with friends, all the while being invigorated by the energy of the vibrant design around them.

Of the many interior design pieces within our buildings, the egg chair is arguably the most distinct. Its round shape, curved edges and cocoon-like nature are as inviting as they are fascinating. A staple accent in many Optima projects, the Egg chair has its own colorful past that has led it to its present-day prominence throughout the world of interior design.

A Scandinavian Start

In the mid-1950s, the Scandinavian Airlines System enlisted Arne Jacobsen to design downtown Copenhagen’s Royal Hotel. Jacobsen, a Danish architect and designer, is one of the best-known designers of the 20th century and one of the pioneers of Danish modern design. He was a crucial contributor to architectural Functionalism and his keen sense of proportion is most well-known throughout his wide range of furniture designs.

In designing the Egg chair, Jacobsen kept in mind both function and form with a chair that would allow travelers passing through the hotel to relax, swivel and recline. The high, curving sides allowed for a bit of privacy, a much-needed amenity after a long journey. The chair was lightweight at only 17 pounds, allowing the hotel staff to move and rearrange them as necessary. Even 60 years after its first debut, the Egg chair is still an iconic piece of design history, beloved by both residential and commercial spaces.

The Egg chair has a colorful past that has led it to its present-day prominence throughout the world of interior design. — Optima Old Orchard Woods | Skokie, IL

The Eggs at Optima

Throughout our residential spaces, Egg chairs serve as a complementary accent piece to our Modernist buildings, reflecting the same passion for form and function. The curvaceous seat is adaptable, pairing well with everything from white walls to colorful surroundings. As they did when they were first designed, egg chairs serve a variety of functional purposes: a fresh pop of color, a nod to the Modernist style, a place to relax at the end of the day or a cosy reading spot to enjoy your favorite book. However they’re utilized, these design icons are a Modernist staple and one of our favorite pieces of unique furniture.

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Tag: Danish design

The Work of SOFTLINE

A Brief History of The Egg Chair

A Scandinavian Start

The Eggs at Optima

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