Muuto and Spacon Unveil 'Close to Heart' Chair for 20th Anniversary, Redefining Scandinavian Design
To commemorate two decades since its establishment, Danish furniture company Muuto has collaborated with Copenhagen-based Spacon studio to introduce the 'Close to Heart' chair. This exclusive creation, limited to 150 pieces and crafted from extruded aluminum in Denmark, seamlessly combines practicality with heartfelt expression. Each profile of the chair is uniquely shaped like a heart, symbolizing its deep emotional connection. The design is poised for its grand reveal at the 3 Days of Design event on June 10, 2026, promising to be a significant highlight.
The creative brief for this project was centered on Muuto's anniversary theme, 'Next Chapters in Scandinavian Design,' explicitly cautioning against nostalgic approaches. Instead, the focus was on exploring how tradition evolves when designers push conventional boundaries. This forward-thinking challenge prompted Spacon partners—Nikoline Dyrup Carlsen, Malene Hvidt, and Svend Jacob Pedersen—to integrate the heart motif into the chair's design. Malene Hvidt noted that the heart was chosen not merely as a symbol but for its geometric versatility, featuring a perfect triangle on one side and a gentle double curve on the other, thus embodying a beautiful interplay of sharp and soft forms.
The decision to construct the chair from extruded aluminum showcases a deliberate fusion of contrasting elements. Typically associated with industrial coolness, aluminum is here molded into a form representing warmth and emotion. The designers view this not as a paradox but as a harmonious integration. Pedersen explained that the lightness and malleability of aluminum make it an ideal material for the chair's curved, heart-shaped lines, proving more fitting than initially perceived. Carlsen added that the anodized finish further refines the material, lending it an exclusive quality that softly absorbs ambient light and colors, enhancing its inherent appeal. This project, which explores the balance between technical precision and emotional impact, embodies Spacon's interdisciplinary philosophy, moving beyond traditional design constraints to create something expressive and culturally open. Hvidt encapsulated the essence of the project by questioning, 'How can we make a system learn to feel?' This chair ultimately seeks to evoke joy and affection in those who experience it.
This innovative design exemplifies a progressive step in Scandinavian design, emphasizing pioneering new methods and fostering creativity while moving away from conventional aesthetic limitations. The 'Close to Heart' chair embodies a fresh perspective, transforming familiar symbols into sophisticated designs that resonate deeply with users.