Contents
The creator of numerous facilities for banks, restaurants, shops and SBB carriages as well as a ski binding died at the age of 97. He was a pioneering figure in Swiss design history.
His furniture is cool, elegant and comfortable – and of the best quality. That was important to Hans Eichenberger. In a radio report a few years ago he said: “The fashionable Züüg isn’t worth it.”
Hans Eichenberger last lived in a retirement home in Bremgarten near Bern. He died there on January 6th, as his daughter confirmed on Friday.
The carpenter and draftsman, who was born in 1926 in Grosshöchetten, Canton of Bern, with his own studio, shaped Swiss living culture, especially in the 1950s to 1960s. According to his designs, furnishings and furnishings were created in a straightforward, modern style.
His work includes, among other things, more than 35 chairs and armchairs, including the Expo armchair (1964) and the Saffa chair (1955).
Eichenberger, who described himself as a “non-academic designer,” also designed furniture for restaurants, shops, bookstores and banks. His work has been exhibited several times in well-known institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) in New York, the Museum of Design in Zurich and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein (D).
SBB carriage with blue and red fabric upholstery
For years he worked in development teams for SBB wagons and ski safety bindings. His train cars with seats covered in blue and red fabric became famous. From 1966 to 1980 he developed safety bindings with the ski manufacturer Head.
In 2016, at the age of 90, Eichenberger received the Swiss “Grand Prix Design” for his “pioneering role” in the Swiss history of furniture design and interior architecture of the 20th century. He had already won the Swiss Design Prize in 1954, 1957 and 1958.