The arrival of spring brings with it that inevitable urge to reimagine our lives al fresco, and what better place to start than with Vind: an inspirational new series of outdoor furniture from Fritz Hansen.
Created by the designer Kasper Salto, a trusted collaborator of the historic Danish brand for more than twenty years as well as a trained cabinetmaker, his award-winning work is defined by quality, longevity and purpose.
Comprising of an armchair, side chair and dining table with adjustable feet, Vind has a quiet aesthetic that will compliment any setting in which it is placed. Available in a ‘Mist Grey’ or ‘Hunter Green’ finish too, in my opinion it makes the perfect pairing for the place it was originally conceived, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Over to Kasper to tell us more:
Can you start by describing your latest collaboration with Fritz Hansen and how this series builds on your previous commissions with the brand?
I started to design for Fritz Hansen more than two decades ago, with my first chair, the ICE chair launching in 2002. This was followed by other projects, such as the Little Friend side table, the NAP chair series and the Pluralis table series, but ICE always remained very special to me as it was used by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for 16 years.
When unfortunately, it was discontinued some years ago, I contacted the CEO of the Louisiana, Poul Erik Tøjner and also Fritz Hansen with the idea of designing a new chair and table series with this beautiful museum as its starting point; and thankfully for me it was well received.
What is it about the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in particular that resonates with you and how is it reflected in the final design?
The Louisiana has always been my favourite museum. It’s a place where you can just enjoy ‘being’, and I am always inspired to think about what my next project could be when I’m in this wonderful setting.
Having to find a balance between the art, the nature, as well as the striking architecture, certainly challenged the design of the Vind Series to a higher level. Made to serve people well, like a good host that doesn’t draw attention to itself, the name is more of a metaphor for describing the sea, the sailboats on the Øresund, and the landscape that surrounds it.
What’s your approach when designing outdoor furniture? Is it more scientific or a more intuitive process?
I really like to design very functional products that serve their purpose best, and here the context is also about our very wet and windy Nordic weather too. Materials also should be chosen carefully and put together well, and with its combination of light, yet strong powder-coated aluminium and handwoven solution-dyed polyester cord Vind is not only comfortable and resilient but unites industrial precision with human touch.
Aside from your own designs what pieces from Fritz Hansen’s collection really stand out for you, and why?
I have always been fascinated by the brutality of Poul Kjærholm’s way of thinking about design, his consequent choice of materials, and also the precision in the pieces is fascinating. I think the uniquely shaped PK9 Chair from 1960 is beautiful with good comfort.
Finally, what projects are you currently working on, and what else do you have planned for 2026?
Alongside my work with Fritz Hansen and fellow Danish brand A. Petersen, this summer I am once again joining a group of designers exhibiting at 3 Days of Design. Called Værktøj, which means tool in Danish, each year we communicate and demonstrate how the identities of designers are largely shaped by the tools they use as they not only drive the development of ideas and the creative processes but also leave a distinct mark on the final product themselves.
Want to know more?
Thanks again to Kasper for chatting with me, I’m already looking forward to visiting his exhibition for myself in June.
To find out more about the Vind Series, visit the Fritz Hansen website.
All images courtesy of Fritz Hansen.
Enjoyed this post? Then read my previous chat with Creative Director of Fritz Hansen, Els Van Hoorebeeck.
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