FK Chair

A signpost of minimalism: emblematic of a new design language, this shell chair became a symbol of modern design. The FK signaled an evolution of modernism. Every point of the FK is defined – to this day, it represents timelessly relevant design throughout the world.  

The original FK design: clear contours, perfect lines – volume and lightness on a triple star base. The FK, developed by Fabricius and Kastholm, stands for timeless yet modern design. In the 1960s this shell chair pointed the way to a new stylistic idiom and became emblematic of modern design. In 1969 it was honored as the first recipient of the Federal Award for Good Form.

The Danish interior designers Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm dedicated themselves to the optimization of form, material, and ergonomics.

In 1969, it was the first recipient of the German Prize for Good Form. The clearly thought-through shape of the chair and its unmistakable independence amazed the public. The concise name is a reference to the initials of its creators. Two young, Danish interior architects in the tradition of functional-aesthetic Scandinavian design: Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm. Both were still developing, trying things out, finding their place in the world and in design. Ready to leave what already existed behind them, in order to create something new. Both believed that form and aesthetics should go hand in hand. 

It was near Stuttgart, home of the famous Weißenhof Estate, that the two were able to fulfill their vision, and find a sparring partner who was able to bring their experiments with form and material into reality. The production was perfected according to the master principle, providing them with support. Fine lines, clear contours – a graphic silhouette presenting volume and lightness on a three-pointed crossed base. At the time, completely new materials made the shell technically possible.