The design process, authorship and the idea of the original – these are the topics Hanna Krüger explored as part of her research project “Stapeln + Addieren” (Stacking + adding) funded by the “Nespresso Design Scholarship” program. For her assignment, she scrutinized the collection of the famed “Wiener Werkstätten” in Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (MAK). As it turns out, the findings of her theoretical studies are actually very practical: In a series of works she mostly cites (unfinished) designs by Josef Hoffmann, who founded the “Wiener Werkstätten”, rearranges them and on this basis develops the original pieces further. Aside from Art Déco-inspired luminaires, rugs and vitreous objects, the Kassel-based designer has most recently made a name for herself with the “Pila” vases and luminaires – an assemblage of plates from various Rosenthal series.
Hanna Krüger
Whowhatwherewhenhow?
Where would you like to live?
People working in our profession don’t tend to be tied to a particular place, so this question swiftly gives rise to some major indecisiveness: If you are free to live anywhere you want with hardly any limitations, where should you live then? However, the question I rather ask myself these days is: How do I want to live? And only when I have made that decision do I contemplate the where.
Your favorite character in the history of design?
I don’t have a one and only favorite. But I do love the idiosyncrasies displayed by Ettore Sottsass and Eileen Gray, the narrative dynamic of Bruno Munari, and right now very specifically: the vases by Carlo Scarpa. I could go on forever and would still be able to come up with things and people I find very special.
Which qualities do you admire in a designer?
I like designers who put their work before themselves and who cherish designing as a means in itself.
What do you enjoy doing most?
To work on my projects and at the same time spending time together with my son and care of my tomatoes and flowers.
Your main personality trait?
I make sure I go my own way without letting anyone distract me. I can be very obstinate here.
Your biggest mistake?
I am still very hard on myself and as a consequence lose sight of the things I have succeeded in achieving.
Your idea of happiness?
To be able to do the things that are really important to me.
What do you find really annoying?
That I have to spend so much time marketing myself, and that marketing often takes center stage, much more than doing good work.
Your favorite material?
Well, there are many. But over the course of time I developed a great love for glass, which is why it pops up in my designs time and again.
Your favorite flower?
Anemones. And many more besides.
What kind of music do you listen to when you work?
I seldom listen to music when I’m working, and I am not exactly sure why that is. Sometimes I do, when the music fits in with what I am doing, then I like to listen to Arvo Pärt. His music is so minimalist and so wonderful.
Which design achievement do you most detest?
The sweeping gesture.
Which talent would you like to have?
I would like to be more calm and composed and able to master all at once the different things life holds in store.
Can you describe your present state of mind?
It’s very hot today, and I can feel this soothing sense of relaxation spreading both through my body and my mind.
Your motto?
I can’t really think of anything, except maybe: having a good life.
