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Interview with Monica Förster

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PD : I always associate your design as something inorganic. In other words, it could be said that your design is a bit futuristic. Where is this concept coming from?

MF : I don't know? (laugh)

PD : How did you get inspired? That's the question (laugh)

MF : When I start working on something, I don't work within my mind. This is an outdoor table I designed (points to a photo of the table). I wanted to make a table that is happy. In Italy, they use lots of plastic furniture, with different colors, etc..., so I wanted to take that feeling and put it in Swedish functional furniture, which is usually low key. I usually start with... for example, I observe a building where a chair is used. If the building is by a harbor, I might want to bring "water" in the building. For example, I could design a chair that reminds us of a waterfall. Feeling of water and reflection. I always work with an idea that comes from a project. Then, it becomes what it should become... (laughs)

PD : So "Cloud" too? You wanted to bring cloud in a house?

MF : Yes, you can say that, but "Cloud" is more like something that makes people feel relaxed. It happens to be a shape of a cloud. It was... when I was on an airplane, I was looking out of the window. And I found a happy cloud which is a good weather cloud. Humorous cloud. In the afternoon, they usually disappear when sky gets very clear.

Also, I knew I wanted to make something inflatable. And I thought that's exactly how my room wanted to be. At an office you can inflate in the morning, and it disappears when you leave. So a cloud shape was perfect for that. I have an idea and that idea adds things.

PD : By the way, did you work with the European space agency?

MF : Well. I haven't done anything yet. I met with them, and we talked about making a material exhibition. I don't know what will happen with this. If I do an exhibition, it takes so much time... cannot do other things. It is really a career choice, but at the same time it is really interesting.

PD : I read about you saying that you were interested in working with NASA. Are you?

MF : Yes. That would be very interesting if I could work with NASA - if they would ask me to do so.

PD : Because it is large scale? Or are you more attracted to space projects?

MF : Possibly because it is a large scale project. (laughs) I tend to like working with a large scale project. (laughs) I don't like small and complex projects. I think it is fun to have strategy and thinking in a large scale project. But I am also interested in making glass, for example, Duralex. This was very popular in the 70s. I would like to design new glass like that.

PD : It was nice meeting with you today and hearing stories about your designs.

MF : Thank you.

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