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Nick Beens Makes Medieval Modern With the LOKI Stool
Inspired by Dutch Hanseatic culture, the LOKI Stool by Nick Beens combines ancient joinery with modern details for a familiar yet fresh look.
The LOKI Stool by Dutch-based designer Nick Beens derives its simplicity from Dutch Hanseatic traditions, a rich network of trade and culture that expanded from a few German towns in the late 12th century to nearly 200 settlements in the 13th to 15th centuries. We can see these medieval roots clearly within the construction and care taken with these stools, while maintaining a level of modernity that is cleverly imbued within the details of the piece. The LOKI Stool hides nothing, openly displaying joinery and configuration with pride – sure to remain a staple of seating design for at least a few centuries longer.
Hansa, meaning group or tribe in Old German, refers to the strong guilds that flourished within that time, petitioning for seats on councils and other positions in government and demanding representation. This is far from the first instance of guilds setting standards for quality craftsmanship, but Hanseatic standards were high. Strong public support for guilds helped laborers make a quality wage, and set working standards for that time. Merchants, in turn, would prioritize Hanseatic guilds and towns over those that had not pledged to the League, lifting trade restrictions in the process.
Perfectly stackable, the stool clocks in at 15.7 inches (40 cm) high. A bit lower than a traditional chair, and a bit higher than a low stool, this piece is highly functional – perfect for a quick perch, makeshift table, or meeting place.
A favorite detail, the bar extending through the middle of the stool ends in a plus-like shape, which is kept just above flush from the sloping, trapezoidal shape of the legs. The LOKI Stool is crafted from solid ash, making it a sturdy companion for any home, office, or bedroom.
Nick Beens is an Australian-based product designer, focused on the playful language between material and use. Focusing on raw, minimalist form, he works in multiple mediums to express his ideas, with a careful consideration for the environmental impact of these limited edition pieces.
To learn more about the LOKI Stool, please visit Nick Beens’ website at nickbeens.com.
Photography by Josha Krijnen- and Simone Smelt.
