The world of design has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Yrjö Kukkapuro, a renowned Finnish designer whose postmodern style left an indelible mark on furniture design. Kukkapuro, whose innovative chairs graced waiting rooms, offices, and living rooms across Finland and found their way into prestigious collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, has died at the age of 91. His death on Saturday at his home outside Helsinki was confirmed by his daughter, Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom, and Studio Kukkapuro, where she serves as curator. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Kukkapuro's impact on design is immeasurable. His chairs, celebrated for their comfort, functionalism, and ergonomics, as well as their aesthetic appeal, have become an integral part of Finnish life. "Almost every Finn has sat on a chair he designed—at a metro station, in a bank, at school, or in a library," Studio Kukkapuro said in a news release. Kukkapuro's dedication to his craft was unwavering, even in his final days. "Yrjö Kukkapuro never stopped designing and coming up with new ideas. Until the very end, he pondered a concept of his new chair, the plan of which was clear in his mind. His assistant didn’t have time to make drawings of the chair," the studio added.

Kukkapuro's career, spanning over 70 years, is a testament to his enduring influence and creativity. His designs, including iconic chairs such as Ateljee, Karuselli-chair, Long Chair, and his most famous Experiment, have become landmarks in the world of furniture design. The Experiment chair, designed in 1982, was initially considered avant-garde but quickly became a commercial success and a key turning point for the postmodern style of furniture. With its decorative, wavy armrests in bright colors, an upholstered back and bottom, and its signature angled seat despite the frame being flat on the ground, the Experiment chair was a bold departure from traditional design.

Although initial production ceased in the 1990s, the Experiment chair's legacy was revived in 2021 when European furniture design brand Hem sought permission from Kukkapuro to reproduce it with minor adjustments to the scale and construction. "We are saddened by the news of Yrjö’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family," Hem founder and chief executive Petrus Palmér said in an email to the Associated Press. "He was a furniture design trailblazer, and showed us that a non-conformist approach is the only way to achieve a lasting legacy."

The Experiment chair retailed for up to 2,399 euros ($2,479) on Hem's website, where it was described as "timeless, bold, and as compelling today as the day it was created." "In the Experiment Chair, Kukkapuro sought to add art to Functionalism, to satisfy romantic tastes alongside meeting essential needs," the description reads. "The result is startling, authentic, a hero of twentieth-century design."

Kukkapuro's innovative spirit extended beyond his furniture designs. He also designed his family's studio and home, featuring a wave-shaped roof and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Built in the late 1960s for him and his wife, artist Irmeli Kukkapuro, who passed away in 2022, the building is scheduled to become a museum next year. This space, a testament to Kukkapuro's visionary approach to design, will stand as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Yrjö Kukkapuro's life was a journey of continuous exploration and innovation. His ability to blend art with functionality, to create pieces that were both visually stunning and ergonomically sound, set him apart in the world of design. His chairs, with their unique shapes and bold colors, challenged traditional notions of furniture and invited people to experience design in a new way.

Kukkapuro's influence extended far beyond Finland. His work inspired designers around the world to push the boundaries of their craft, to experiment with new forms and materials, and to seek beauty in the everyday. His legacy is not just in the chairs he designed but in the countless lives he touched through his creations. From the bustling metro stations of Helsinki to the quiet corners of libraries, Kukkapuro's designs have provided comfort and inspiration to generations.

In a world where design is often driven by trends and fleeting fashions, Kukkapuro's work stands as a reminder of the power of timeless innovation. His Experiment chair, with its bold, wavy armrests and angled seat, is a testament to his belief that design should challenge the status quo while meeting essential needs. It is a piece that continues to captivate and inspire, a true hero of twentieth-century design.

As we mourn the loss of this design icon, we also celebrate his enduring legacy. Yrjö Kukkapuro's life was a testament to the power of creativity, the importance of pushing boundaries, and the enduring appeal of well-designed spaces. His work will continue to inspire designers and delight users for generations to come. In the Experiment Chair and his many other creations, we see not just a designer but a visionary who sought to add art to the everyday, to create pieces that were both functional and beautiful.

In the words of Hem founder Petrus Palmér, "He showed us that a non-conformist approach is the only way to achieve a lasting legacy." Yrjö Kukkapuro's legacy is a testament to this belief, a reminder that true innovation comes from daring to be different and from seeking beauty in the everyday. As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the power of design to transform spaces, to inspire creativity, and to leave an indelible mark on the world.