Probing the frontiers of product possibilities
A graduate of the Ontario College of Art & Design, Finnish designer Ville Kokkonen (born 1975) continued his studies at the University of Art & Design in Helsinki. Subsequently employed in the university’s Smart Products Research Group, he specialised in product concepts and futures research. Kokkonen joined Artek in 2006 as Research and Design Manager; from 2009 to 2014, he served as the company’s Design Director.
Kokkonen has initiated and conducted several international projects, including the Artek Pavilion 2007, which he undertook in collaboration with architect Shigeru Ban and UPM. With Artek, Kokkonen developed the fragrance Standard (Eau de Toilette), complete with bottle and packaging, for Comme des Garçons, the Japanese fashion company. In addition to his work for Artek, Kokkonen lectures at numerous international seminars and universities.