Swiss national Hannes Wettstein (1958-2008) was one of the most innovative and influential designers of his generation. Although his name may not ring a bell with everyone, his products, home interior and architectural projects are renowned around the globe. Wettstein designed numerous hotels, offices and showrooms, including prestigious commissions such as the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin and the Swiss Embassy in Teheran. His work was lauded with a huge number of awards, including the Compasso d’Oro for his Dada Nomis kitchen. A portrait of a stand-out designer.
Who is Wettstein?
Wettstein graduated as a structural draughtsman and was fascinated by architecture and the history of art, but equally by technological advances. Constantly and methodologically challenging social, industrial and cultural norms, this mindset is seen to permeate all of his designs. By calling everyday actions, the layout of spaces and the purpose of objects into question, he came up with surprisingly simple solutions. Pure, functional and timeless are the main watchwords that underpin Wettstein’s furniture pieces and lamps.
Studio Hannes Wettstein
In 1991, Wettstein set up Studio Hannes Wettstein, which soon went on to become an established name, and which is continuing his work and his principle to this very day. The Studio beguiles users and customers with its designs – anything from seats and rugs to timepieces and even bicycles – for high profile designer brands such as Accademia, Cerruti Baleri, BULO, Molteni & C and Cassina.
Functionality is at the heart of Wettstein’s designs, yet without losing sight of the design trends. This door lever for instance, which is available in mat or gloss, continues to remain a perfect match for any modern home interior. Wettstein’s vision that logical design by definition is sustainable, holds true across the board.
Want to find out what Wettstein can do for your home interior? Please feel free to contact us; we will be happy to answer all your questions.