Creativity Through Sustainability: Q&A with Hlynur Atlason

Hlynur Atlason testing a 3D-printed Limbo chair prototype for comfort

Known for his innovative approach to industrial design, Hlynur Atlason's style blends functionality with cultural and emotional resonance, focusing on sustainability and timeless aesthetics. With work spanning consumer products, furniture, and packaging for brands like IKEA, MoMA, and Stella Artois, Atlason's rise to prominence has been fueled by his distinctive design philosophy and memorable collaborations. Numerous accolades, including the 2023 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in Product Design, celebrate his exceptional creativity and craftsmanship in design. Notable pieces include the sustainable Limbo and Bluff lounge chairs for Heller, and the Von collection for L.Ercolani. In conversation with Atlason, we highlight his Icelandic heritage and commitment to innovation and sustainability.

What's your go-to morning beverage - coffee, tea, lemon water?

Black Coffee, we get a special “studio” roast from Brooklyn!

How would you describe your own personal design style - including furniture, clothing, art, and home decor?

In my own life and in my work, I really enjoy quality and refinement, design integrity and beauty. This is all relative and needs to be seen in context, but I would never design anything I couldn’t imagine having myself.

How do your Icelandic heritage and upbringing influence your approach to design?

Iceland is not an easy country to live in, in terms of weather and natural resources. We rely on products to perform in harsh conditions. And, we spend long dark winters indoors that puts an importance on having beautiful cozy interiors. I grew up with appreciation for quality design, not realizing until later that some of the objects I grew up with were considered design icons. I continue to see product design through the lens of quality and longevity.

How do you typically approach the design process for new furniture or lighting?

At the start of a project, I like to ground myself in the subject matter and try to understand the history and context of what I’ve been tasked with. As we tend to have existing references and build on what has come before. Then I try to identify how the context and needs may have changed in terms of how we live today and what may come in the future.

What materials do you prefer working with and why?

I’m materially agnostic, but like to think of materials through the lens of performance and purpose. Then try to extract the most out of the material, to make materials work hard.

Can you talk throughyour approach when collaborating with brands? How did you come to work with Heller?

The relationship with Heller is a little unusual, whereas John Edelman (that I’ve had a successful working relationship with before) called me up with a very simple brief; to create a modern roto-molded lounge chair that is super comfortable. Otherwise, there was the freedom for me to interpret the brief in any way I wanted. Which is fantastic and I appreciate the trust. enerally speaking, I think having chemistry and trust with clients / brands is very important. That there is mutual excitement in the collaboration. Because working in design is a privilege, let’s not forget that.

What was the inspiration behind the Limbo Chair?

A lot of the inspiration came from thinking about what could be done with the roto-molding process and the way the material behaves. That it should be memorable and worthy of the Heller brand, that has a fantastic legacy of products and collaborations with great designers. To make the chair light, while being deceivingly comfortable.

How do you see the role of furniture design evolving in the next decade, especially with new technological advancements?

My hope would be that material and manufacturing technologies advance in the direction of greater resource management and circular approach to creating products and furniture. That will allow designers to continue creating beautiful, interesting things.

Can you share any upcoming projects or designs you are particularly excited about?

There are quite a few things in the works and more new furniture on the way that I’m super excited about, especially in categories and materials that I haven’t worked with before. That’s all I can say, for now.

What is your favorite hobby?

I've been riding and racing motorcycles for a long time and have several bikes for on, and off-road riding on tracks in the USA and Europe, motocross and adventure riding. You might call me a fanatic.

And lastly, if you're listening to music while working, what song/band/genre is played most often from your playlist?

For some reason, Willie Colon is getting the most play at the moment – we tend to go through phases. During the day, it can range from classical music to some funky stuff or even 80’s country whereas late nights call for high energy, some Italo Disco is a go-to.