The Danish Way of Life
JACOB JENSEN DESIGN ADVOCATES FOR MINIMALISM AND A MORE QUALITATIVE LIFE
Jacob Jensen Design advocates for minimalism and a more qualitative life
FOR MORE THAN 60 years, Danish design studio Jacob Jensen Design has influenced and enriched the world through innovative designs that speak of the brand’s aesthetic since its foundation in 1958. While the Scandinavian core echoes simplicity and minimalism, their design language forefronts visionary—creating designs that withstand the test of time and improve one’s quality of life.
With sister studios in Shanghai, China and Bangkok, Thailand, Jacob Jensen Design passes on the legacy and reaches out to as many communities as possible. This is in line with their goal of bringing their design expertise to new places—the Philippines isn’t an exemption. The company’s CEO, Manuel Vega Aldemira, and Creative Director, Sebastian Maleville, recently visited the Philippines for the International Design Conference 2019. Metro Home got to chat with the duo about the Jacob Jensen trademark, the rise of minimalism, and future partnerships with local partners.
Metro Home: What is the Jacob Jensen trademark?
Manuel Vega Aldemira: We want to create products that people can build a connection with, that people will be proud to own. It’s not just stuff or another gadget—it’s something that’s design-deep, something that we really care about, something that will remain relevant for a long period of time. I would say, as a brand, Jacob Jensen is a pretty small but heavily value-based brand.
Scandinavian design is becoming big industry. How do you think this style captivates the modern market?
Sebastian Maleville: Now is the stage when people are coming back to the qualitative way of life. This is why Scandinavian design and values are finding a lot of echo in the world, to come back to more natural and more human elements. Many people can actual actually associate themselves with this kind of going back to peace, to quiet, and to nature.
MVA: There’s a certain characteristic of minimalism that transcends borders. The idea off of bringing products and experiences to the bare minimum, the idea that less is more—it’s something that appeals to many countries around the world.
What makes Jacob Jensen Design stand out?
SM: I think it stands out because we are following a set of principles that are pretty unique. It originated from our founder Jacob Jensen years ago, and we still live by it today. So we are not just another design studio where we basically please clients or customers. We have ha a point of view on things and have certain methodologies, processes, and guidelines. These are well thought of solutions that are very integrated, with a sense of flowing lines and continuity to it, all while injecting contrast into it so it’s not as boring. Ours also lasts longer and touches the emotion of people a little bit more.
MVA: We are strong advocates for durability. We are not necessarily against trends, but we’re very strongly opposed to having trends drive development. We feel like our greatest advocacy is the aspect of long lasting good design.
What are your future plans in the Philippines?
MVA: We actually want to engage closely with the Department of Trade and Industry. We went to talk to them to see what their plans are and how we can contribute to their objectives locally and globally. We also want to continue talking with the Design Center of the Philippines to energize them so that more resources can come into this part of the world.