Michael Young designs newest Iittala showroom in Taipei

A new Iittala showroom has opened in Taipei, conceived with the help of Hong Kong-based

(Image credit: Michael Young)

last updated 26 October 2022

Finnish brand Iittala continues to develop its Nordic aesthetic in the Eastern world. Pushing an Asian takeover that includes 90 stores and a recent collaboration with Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake, the brand's latest move is yet another newly opened showroom, this time conceived in Taipei with the help of Hong Kong-based designer Michael Young.

Young utilised his skillful ways with aluminium and wood to build an immaculate emporium for Iittala’s broad range of tableware, textiles and cookware. Located in the city's new Miramar shopping centre, the floor-to-ceiling glass building allows for a gallery-style view of the store's wares. ‘We see it as a place that offers an in depth experience to what makes Iittala relevant in any home and gives a sense of harmony to every visitor,’ explains Jeremiah Tesolin, head of the internal design team at Iittala.

This idyllic sensuality is evident across the space; from the dynamic anodised aluminium modular shelving that stands in the centre of its 85 square metres, to the contrasting moulded wooden display wall.

‘The depth of culture in the brand offered me a vast source of inspiration and a tool box to work from,’ Young muses. Working with iconic glassware by the likes of Alvar Aalto and Tapio Wirkkala to the contemporary graphic, yet minimal, Miyake range, the showroom is a museum for historical collections that have existed since 1818.

‘It was important to take into account how perceptions change between Eastern and Western markets,’ Young concludes. Of course, made an expert by immersing himself in the Eastern design scene for over 12 years, here Young has cleverly mastered an ideal platform for Nordic craft on Asian turf.

tableware textiles and cookware — Young utilised his skillful ways with aluminium and wood to build an immaculate emporium for Iittala’s broad collection of tableware, textiles and cookware

This idyllic sensuality is evident across the space; from the dynamic anodised aluminium modular shelving that stands in the centre of its 85 square metres, to the contrasting moulded wooden display wall

The showroom is located in the new Miramar shopping centre, with floor-to-ceiling glass allowing for a gallery-style view of the pieces

‘The depth of culture in the brand offered me a vast source of inspiration and a tool box to work from,’ Young muses

INFORMATION

For more information, visit Iittala’s website

ADDRESS

Iittala
No. 20, Jingye 3rd Rd
Zhongshan District
Taipei City
Taiwan 104

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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.

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