Fiskars axe designer wins major design award – Asko Avonius prize of €20 000

Fiskars' modern ax on a plank.
With an axe designed by Olavi Lindén, the job goes smoothly.

Olavi Lindén was for a long time Fiskars’ chief designer. The tools he designed can be found in almost every home in Finland. Lindén is also known as a designer of musical instruments.

Lindén is the name behind many other tools known for their orange handles. His long-standing work as an industrial designer was honoured today with Finland’s biggest design prize.

The Asko Avonius Prize is awarded by the Asko Foundation. According to the Foundation’s Board, Olavi Lindén is an innovative and user-oriented designer whose diverse output has influenced both Finnish and international industrial design.

Fiskars chief designer Olavi Lindé with the tools he designed.  The tools are on the steps of the house.
Olavi Lidén’s tools remove dandelions and dead branches. Lindén has also finished the orange-headed scissors. The award-winning designer’s tools are also in demand abroad.

According to the Foundation’s award criteria, Olavi Lindén’s products are simple, modern in appearance and last at least one generation in normal use. Product development is also closely linked to production.

The Asko Avonius prize is awarded every three years. The design award is worth 20,000 euros.

After his Fiskars career, Lindén, also known as a musician, has focused on musical instrument design. He has built several different string and string instruments, where the acoustic sound is amplified with resonators and horns.

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