The nestor, alumnus and former teacher Åke Axelsson has passed away

Photo: Lennart Durehed

Through his hundreds of chair designs and interiors, Åke Axelsson lives on. His work can be found across the country in libraries, museums, institutions and schools – it is said that he furnished public Sweden. After training as a cabinetmaker, he studied interior architecture and furniture design at Konstfack from 1952 to 1957. Immediately afterwards, he spent two years working on the interiors of Konstfack's premises on Valhallavägen through his position at the architectural firm Gösta Åberg.

He then continued his professional career with the architect Peter Celsing before running his own practice for many years. In the 1970s, Åke returned to Konstfack, this time as a teacher throughout the decade. There, he played an important role for a new generation of interior architects and furniture designers, and it was during this period that he introduced the assignment "The Plank", which all Konstfack interior students still complete. The course addresses contemporary issues relating to material resources, sustainability and the responsibilities of architecture.

The many students and colleagues who met him remember a kind, ingenious and devoted nestor. His generosity was well known; for instance, he often invited students to his studio in Vaxholm, where they encountered a way of working that frequently made a strong impression on them. Åke's design language was characterised by humanism, ingenious detailing and joinery, carefully balanced proportions, and a natural connection to regional furniture traditions. He continues to inspire, and traces of his influence can still be seen in many people's work.

Åke Axelsson passed away at the age of 94.