Even before the Second World War, the design principles of the modern era also began to influence Scandinavian designers and architects, including Gunnar Asplund, Alvar Aalto and Kaare Klint. Whilst in Central Europe aesthetics of steel and glass dominated, Scandinavian designers concentrated mainly on wood, a material that was in abundant supply. Scandinavian design in the post-war period experienced an international break-through when many households were being refurbished – the furniture was durable, timeless, relatively cheap and adaptable for a diverse range of interiors. Protagonists of this era include Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Kjaerholm and Finn Juhl. In addition tocreations from these designers, the Vitra Design Museum also holds a big collection of designs by Danish designer Verner Panton. This showcases a different, bright and playful side to Scandinavian design – just like the works of Eero Arnio or Yrjö Kukkapuuro.
