Precision Meets Poetry

A feeling like Christmas: we can see numerous finely formed objects that we would love to have or give someone as a present. They all carry the signature of Alfredo Häberli – his passion and his inspiration. Even if you were to include only the most important pieces, it would be far too much. We approach the product designer by means of an object that’s small, but also one of his greatest works, at least in terms of its presence: a bowl that belongs to the extensive Origo dish series of the Finnish brand Iittala. Häberli gave the unmistakable piece a cheerful, colorful striped design that brings festive dining tables to life all over the world. You could even imagine the bowl’s stripes on a dress by British fashion designer Paul Smith. But there’s so much more to Häberli’s design: while the colorful pattern reflects his South American roots, the bowls, saucers, and plates can be stacked to save space and serve as sustainable containers for food storage, an example of Häberli’s rational side. Swiss school of thought – practical is important.

Much like a Swiss watch, Alfredo Häberli’s career progressed in a straight line and with exceptional precision. He studied Industry Design at Höhere Schule für Gestaltung Zürich and graduated with honors. The way in which he was able to communicate his enthusiasm for design even back then promptly granted him access to the furniture industry and other sectors. His imposing appearance may have also played a role: Häberli could work as a model, and occasionally even does. “But more for fun and for good friends,” he says, playing it down. This talent led to one of the most important turning points in his life: “In Zurich, we industry designers studied on the second floor. The fashion designers, who were on the fifth, never had budgets for their presentations. So we would build their stages, and that’s how I ended up walking the runway for them,” says Häberli, remembering back. “The Graphics program was located on the floors between us – and that’s where I met my wife, Stefanie.” That was 33 years ago, and both of their children are now grown. The couple has also implemented design projects together.

Häberli’s 911 is an early coupe of the G series, built in 1976. “There’s nothing there that isn’t necessary!” he says, praising the lines of the car. “There’s no other way to approach perfect design. The 911 is simply unparalleled.” He’s also fond of the combination of exterior color and interior: “The color of the paint is called Platinum Diamond. It’s a golden hue that shimmers silver when the light hits it just right,” he says delighted. In the interior, brown and beige imitation leather with contrasting tweed stripes. “Quite a unique mix!”

Whether it’s vehicles, landscapes, or the ice hockey helmet on the shelf that he can’t seem to take his eyes off of, Häberli tends to look very closely. That’s always how new ideas materialize in his mind. “Observation is the most beautiful form of thought,” he says. In the studio, he expands on these thoughts and transforms them into intelligent products with personality.

Some inspirations even manage to achieve immortality in a product name. Cubist painter Paul Klee came up with the bon mot: “A drawing is simply a line going for a walk.” Roaming around like a dog or gliding like a bird, rather than simply moving from A to B.