Jonas Forsman

Jonas studied industrial design engineering in Gothenburg, Sweden where he now has his studio and works on different projects within furniture- and product design. Jonas has been awarded several Red dot awards and Design S awards for his innovative and unique products.

He grew up in Småland, a region in southern Sweden that is historically known for furniture manufacturing. From an early age, Jonas learned to save on resources by using as little as possible and how to make the most out of it. This way of life has become a guide line for him as a designer, facilitating resourcefulness and originality.

One of his latest works includes Winter for Markslöjd, a three-in-one star made to light up the Scandinavian winter.

Tell us about Winter, your latest design for Markslöjd?
I want to bring gleams of light to the Scandinavian winter. With a structure of curved metal wires that create natural arches, and are connected in intersections of light. Winter is a star of light where the current is conducted through the structure. The arched metal wire creates both form and function, providing current to the twelve energy-efficient LED lights.

I like to give the possibility of using the product in many ways, without the need of purchasing something new. Winter is equipped with a table stand, suspension, and a magnet. You can hang it in a window, on the wall, and place it on a table, the product is easy to adjust to different needs. All these options make it versatile and useful year after year.

How does your design process look like?
In my work, I research how the function of a product can create a new character and meaning. I work intensely with sketches and prototypes, trying to discover new possible solutions and clearify the form. I'm driven by lifting the qualities of the materials and find sustainable ways to build a product using as little as possible.

How do you work with form and function?
I start from the function and see if I can solve it in a new way, often by using different materials or new mechanical solutions. Then I cut away all things not necessary and let the function speak for itself.

NAME: Jonas Forsman
PROFESSION: Designer
LIVES IN: Göteborg
COMING UP: With a unique 3 in 1 lamp, Winter for Markslöjd