Anna and Dag Klockby, owners of Gärsnäs, will be in New York in conjunction with the opening of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York. Also in place will be 430 brand new chairs made in Sweden for the UN:
Zen New York – designed by Åke Axelsson, for Gärsnäs.
“It’s important that this new chair has a feeling of Scandinavian wood,”
says Åke Axelsson, professor, trained furniture-maker and interior architect,
with a career spanning more than 65 years.
Every September, the leaders and delegates of the world gather at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss the most current and pressing issues in the world. Before the opening of the General Assembly in September 2023, Gärsnäs received the prestigious commission to develop a new chair for the ECOSOC chamber. That Zen New York was chosen, conceived by design icon Åke Axelsson, was due, in part, to the chair already being a tried and tested model.
Photo: Lennart Durehed
“It’s not just about designing a new chair, but gathering together and developing experiences. Therefore, Zen New York is based on a previous chair, Zen, where I strove for the simplest solutions. It has proven itself in all kinds of public contexts and is easy to adapt to completely new environments. It’s crucial that know-how is tailored to new circumstances,” says Åke Axelsson.
Several improvements have been made at the request of the UN, for example discrete grips on the arms to facilitate lifting and moving the chair. Much work has gone into the padding and seat cushion with a little more volume. Leather edging protects the tops of the arms. The chair is low maintenance. The undercarriage, seat and back are easy to disassemble. The fabric upholstery can be cleaned and changed if necessary.
“The backs of the Zen chairs make a soft wave motion in the room. The Ministry’s keywords for the project were friendly, generous and embracing,” says Lotta Cronsjö Gest, the project’s interior architect at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
430 chairs made in Sweden by Gärsnäs for UN Headquarters
The new Zen New York, designed and developed by Åke Axelsson for furniture manufacturer Gärsnäs, was produced on assignment from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in consultation with a reference group including Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design), the Swedish Institute, Public Art Agency Sweden, ArkDes (the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design), the Swedish National Heritage Board and UN Headquarters. The order covers 240 stand-alone Zen New York delegate chairs, 190 chairs for advisors and 20 secretarial chairs. Now all chairs are the same model, in line with Markelius’ democratic concept that everyone has equal importance. The chairs are made at the Gärsnäs factory in southern Sweden and delivered by Input Interiör Stockholm. The upholstery, Molly, is wool, in accordance with UN wishes, and has a discrete, shimmering, brown-beige pattern, designed by Åsa Pärson for Kvadrat.
More news from Gärsnäs:
Pop Nouveau modular sofa design Pierre Sindre and Patrik Bengtsson – Gärsnäs
POP NOUVEAU MODULAR SOFA For 10 years, our Pop sofa has been a faithful favourite …
Bistro modular sofa design Åke Axelsson and Ralf Lindberg – Gärsnäs
Bistro sofa is a modular sofa that can be ordered by the metre in various …
Vyn armchair and easy chair design Anton Björsing – Gärsnäs
Southern Swedish cuisine and furniture of the highest order. As restaurateur Daniel Berlin’s Vyn puts …
Simris sofa and easy chair design Anton Björsing – Gärsnäs
Southern Swedish cuisine and furniture of the highest order. As restaurateur Daniel Berlin’s Vyn puts …
New UN chair, Zen New York made by Gärsnäs, ready for the opening of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters
Anna and Dag Klockby, owners of Gärsnäs, will be in New York in conjunction with …
Anna von Schewen exhibits at House of Gärsnäs 24–27 May 2023
Designer Anna von Schewen will be exhibiting at House of Gärsnäs during Stockholm Creative Edition, …
Gärsnäs furniture turn 130 years old!
It’s spring again. A springtime with an anniversary, as Gärsnäs, celebrates its 130th year. Imagine …
David Ericsson’s Hedda armchair is now available as a bar stool – Gärsnäs
HEDDA BAR STOOL David Ericsson’s Hedda armchair is now available as a bar stool. It …
Ronja is a chair that comes directly from the beech forests of southern Sweden by David Ericsson – Gärsnäs
RONJA CHAIR Ronja is a chair that comes directly from the beech forests of southern …
Gärsnäs @ Stockholm Furniture Fair & Stockholm Design Week
In a troubled world, there remains many good and vital things to talk about: sustainability, …
Gothenburg Opera House on becoming the world’s most sustainable opera house – Gärsnäs
THE WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE OPERA HOUSE We congratulate the Gothenburg Opera House on becoming the …
StinaRand is collaborating with Gärsnäs, the Swedish furniture company with its own factory in Österlen since 1893
STINARAND has generated delight and wonder in the fashion world with her materially intensive and …
Inside Swedish Design @ 3daysofdesign 15-17 June 2022
Inside Swedish Design Inside Swedish Design promotes awareness, values and innovative elements in the Swedish …
Grand Award for Åke Axelsson
Hurray! Åke Axelsson has received the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry’s (TMF) Nova …
Interior Masterclass: Lotta Agaton on the House of Gärsnäs
Interior Masterclass: Lotta Agaton on the House of Gärsnäs “I have the simplest tastes. I …
Dino is just as spontaneous as its tailoring is sharp by Pierre Sindre – Gärsnäs
Dino Dino is just as spontaneous as its tailoring is sharp. Designed by Pierre Sindre, …
Bleck began as a sofa and has become a family of furniture that also includes an easy chair, side tables and a pedestal by TAF Studio – Gärsnäs
Bleck Family Bleck began as a sofa and has become a family of furniture that …
The Nordan table, designed by Bernadotte & Kylberg, is a homage to the craftsmanship of Gärsnäs
The Nordan table, designed by Bernadotte & Kylberg, is a homage to the craftsmanship of …
Now the Pia family is extended with Pia Mandarin, an oblate globe reminiscent of the citrus fruit – Gärsnäs
Pia Mandarin Those famous illuminated spheres have a new cousin. The Pia lamp is a …
Klint: this year’s collaboration with Beckmans – Gärsnäs
Klint: this year’s collaboration with Beckmans The Klint bench stands lightly on the floor with …
Åke Axelsson: Eight decades of furniture and interior design, craftsmanship and manufacturing
@ Stockholms Auktionsverk. Open to the public 20–28 August. Online auction 29 August. Eight decades? …
Summer opening hours of our shop and showroom – Gärsnäs
Summer opening hours of our shop and showroom Summer 2021 is here. Our shop and …
Special sustainability prize for Gärsnäs in Plaza Interiör’s major sustainability issue
GÄRSNÄS has been encouraging reuse long before it became a trend. Their chairs are made …
The reuse and renovation of our furniture is ever higher on our agenda. It is crucial – Gärsnäs
Reuse is a vital component in our plan We are moving towards a circular world. …
The superb can always be better – Bleck, sofa and easy chair by TAF Studio – Gärsnäs
The superb can always be better Bleck, sofa and easy chair, designed by TAF Studio, …
Welcome to House of Gärsnäs during SDW 2021
Bleck by TAF Studio. Elna table by Thomas Sandell, available in three sizes. A feeling …
A daybed is made for daydreams by Teresa Lundmark & Gustav Winsth – Gärsnäs
Dag A daybed is a wonderful in-between thing. Neither bed nor sofa, it is made …
Åke Axelsson’s workshop opens online shop
Four hands and a few machines are all that is needed at the workshop on …
Scandinavian design legend’s home and studio recreated in new exhibition in Copenhagen
Scandinavian design legend’s home and studio recreated in new exhibition in Copenhagen New Danish exhibition …
Viva by David Regestam – Gärsnäs
Viva consists of a moulded back, seat and armrests, including cushions, which hang elegantly from …
Embla is a table with dual functionality – Gärsnäs
Personal and practical. Embla is a table with dual functionality. Its two levels take care …
Elin Barstool by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
Barstool with upholstered back and seat in fabric or back frame in partly recycled felt. …
Allround by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
Stackable chair. Seat and backrest in compression moulded ash veneer or upholstered in fabric or …
Gärsnäs of Sweden backs the British market
For the second year in a row, Gärsnäs has chosen to exhibit at the British …
Gärsnäs to furnish with Färg & Blanche @ The Institut Suédois
Gärsnäs has been commissioned to furnish one of six guest accommodations at the Institut Suédois …
Re-introducing Peter Celsing & Erik Karlström’s iconic Club chair – Gärsnäs
We are so proud to collaborate with Tiger of Sweden to re-introducing Peter Celsing and …
Premiere opening of Gärsnäs new shop and gallery
Premiere opening of our new shop and gallery Join us on Easter weekend for the …
Viva designed by Wingårdhs – Gärsnäs
VIVA: Cosy like an easy chair, stylish like a designer chair The Viva chair …
Hedda by David Ericsson – Gärsnäs
Hedda, designed by David Ericsson, is the chair that looks just as good at your …
The Ateljé table by Matti Klenell – Gärsnäs
The Ateljé table, by Matti Klenell, was especially designed for the newly renovated Nationalmuseum in …
Lina and Elin by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
In 2013, designer duo Färg & Blanche created the Emma easy chair, its back completely …
Gärsnäs @ Stockholm Furniture Fair 2019
Welcome to Gärsnäs at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 5–9 February 2019. Stand A07:20 Head office …
Åke Axelsson furnishes Värmland Museum
The library at Värmland Museum has now reopened after parts of the museum underwent an …
David Ericsson winner of the Sustainable Chairs design competition
CONGRATULATIONS DAVID ERICSSON: WINNER OF THE SUSTAINABLE CHAIRS DESIGN COMPETITION David Ericsson and his Petite …
Gärsnäs & Nationalmuseum
Efter fem års flytt, renovering och ombyggnad öppnar Nationalmuseum för allmänheten nu i veckan. Formgivaren …
Dandy by Pierre Sindre – Gärsnäs
Pierre Sindre’s easy chair combines a 60s feeling for materials with a timeless enjoyment of …
Mr N is the chair at the cutting edge between tailoring and carpentry by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
Mr N is the chair at the cutting edge between tailoring and carpentry. Using extreme …
Big rewards for little Petite by David Ericsson
Congratulations David Ericsson, who has won magazine Form’s Designer of the Year award for the …
Petite a minimalist construction in beech makes it as practical as it is elegant by David Ericsson – Gärsnäs
Petite by David Ericsson is a contemporary Scandinavian counterpart to the classical café chairs found …
Colette – Gärsnäs
NINA JOBS’ NEW SOFA GROUP INSPIRED BY CLASSIC CHANEL Colette is available as an easy …
Gärsnäs @ Stockholm Furniture Fair 2018
Gärsnäs at the Stockholm Furniture Fair On 6 February we present our new designs for …
The Akustik Chair at the New Kronäng School – Gärsnäs
The Kronäng School, which opened earlier this autumn, has interiors designed by Cedervall Arkitekter. The …
From rough plank to designer chair – Gärsnäs
In the bright and airy workshop, carts stand with high stacks of newly arrived timber. …
Bleck sofa received the Furniture of the Year Award 2017 by Residence
Bleck sofa, designed by TAF Arkitektkontor received Residence Magazine’s Furniture of the Year Award 2017. Congratulations …
Armchair Emma has been added to the Green List – designed by Färg & Blanche
Armchair Emma, designed by Färg & Blanche, is now fulfilled the requirements according to the …
Tak table series that offers endless variation by David Regestam – Gärsnäs
David Regestam at Wingårdhs has designed the Tak table series that offers endless variation. Round, …
Sonat by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
Åke Axelsson, the SONAT armchair Åke Axelsson presents the Sonat armchair, a refined and upgraded …
Bleck design TAF / Gabriella Gabriella Gustafson & Mattias Ståhlbom – Gärsnäs
BLECK SOFA AND EASY CHAIR design TAF / Gabriella Gabriella Gustafson & Mattias Ståhlbom TAF …
Bolon and Gärsnäs in “Collaborative Conversations”
Bolon presents a cooperation between Gärsnäs and furniture makers BD Barcelona, Cappellini and Moroso and …
Dandy by Pierre Sindre – Gärsnäs
The Dandy easy chair designed by Pierre Sindre Pierre Sindre follows his heart and launches …
David Regestam has designed the Gärsnäs stand 2017
David Regestam, interior architect at Wingårdh Arkitektkontor, has designed the Gärsnäs stand 2017. What has …
Gärsnäs @ Stockholm Furniture Fair
BESÖK OSS PÅ STOCKHOLM FURNITURE FAIR! Välkomna till vår monter A11:20. Öppettider: Tisdag – Fredag …
Innovators At Heart – Collaborative Conversation #2
Collaborative Conversation: Dag Klockby of Gärsnäs This February, Bolon will reveal new innovations guaranteed to …
Gärsnäs flyttar till Skeppsbron
GÄRSNÄS FLYTTAR TILL SKEPPSBRON Efter fem fantastiska år lämnar vi vårt showroom i Guldhuset vid …
“My confidence rests in my hands” – Åke Axelsson
“My confidence rests in my hands” Interior architect, designer and furniture maker, the career of …
Åke Axelsson har tryggheten i sina händer
Åke Axelsson har tryggheten i sina händer Inredningsarkitekten, formgivaren och möbelproducenten Åke Axelsson är verksam …
Julius by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
Färg & Blanche: masters of “Wood tailoring” The creative and inventive duo Färg & Blanche …
Hedwig by David Ericsson – Gärsnäs
David Ericsson renews his set of seating furniture with Hedwig Furniture designer David Ericsson launches …
David Eriksson and chair Madonna winner of Elle Decoration and Årets Rum 2016 for the year’s furniture
GRAND SLAM OF GÄRSNÄS! David Ericsson elegant chair Madonna, struck like a thunderbolt from a …
Day Lite & Day High – Gärsnäs
Day family adds Day Lite and Day High Pierre Sindre expands his popular office series, …
Madonna design by David Ericsson – Gärsnäs
Madonna chair and armchair, designed by David Ericsson Madonna is a light-weight beech chair of …
Pop sofa – Gärsnäs
Design Patrik Bengtsson & Pierre Sindre “The POP sofa and the table that goes with …
Pop stool – Gärsnäs
Design Patrik Bengtsson & Pierre Sindre “The POP stool is the continuation of our incipient …
Jack & Elsa design by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
“When we began sketching Jack and Elsa, it seemed obvious that a stool supplementing our …
Kolonn table design by David Regestam – Gärsnäs
Design David Regestam “The sculptural shape is functional. A central leg provides generous support on …
Emily II armchair design by Färg & Blanche – Gärsnäs
Armchair fully upholstered in fabric or leather, tailored with backrest perforations. Pillar and cross base, …
Zen Conference V & VI design by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
Design Åke Axelsson “The Zen series is based on a tapered shape which has shown …
PoP table – Gärsnäs
Design Pierre Sindre & Patrik Bengtsson Table freestanding or fixed to sofa. Ash, beech-veneer or …
Gärsnäs exhibition stand designed by Färg & Blanche, 2015
This year’s exhibition stand has been designed by the prize-winning duo Färg & Blanche. They …
Akustik XL & Mini sound-absorbent akustik series has grown into a whole family – Gärsnäs
“My sound-absorbent akustik series has grown into a whole family. The Xl easy chair is …
Emily design by Fredrik Färg & Emma Marga Blanche – Gärnäs
Design Fredrik Färg & Emma Marga Blanche Chair fully upholstered in fabric or leather, tailored …
Swedish Midsummer Design Weekend
Explore the unique collaboration between leading Swedish design producers on a VIP design tour in …
Interviewing Anna and Dag Klockby – Gärsnäs
Interviewing Anna and Dag Klockby Describe the spirit of Gärsnäs in three sentencess Gärsnäs is …
Anniversary Exhibition: To mark the 80th birthday of Åke Axelsson
ÅKE – Furniture from eight decades To mark the 80th birthday of Åke Axelsson, Architect …
My granddaughter´s cabinet by Lisa Hilland – Gärsnäs
An exquisitely well-made fine cabinet that combines various types of wood: birch, oak and cherry. …
Österlen design by Inga Sempé – Gärsnäs
Chair in natural ash, stain or white-pigmented wax oil. Back/back legs in solid bent ash. …
Kuba a versatile storage module in birch plywood by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
A versatile storage module in birch plywood. The ideal measurements mean the modules can be …
Orbit Floor lamp with natural ash legs design Johan Lindstén – Gärsnäs
Floor lamp with natural ash legs. White lacquered shade. Johan Lindstén: “I have been inspired …
Harrys chair a seating system design Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
A seating system based on a few components that can be assembled to create easy …
Flake an elegant and confortable easy chair by Nina Jobs – Gärsnäs
An elegant and confortable easy chair with a covered moulded seating shell and a swivel …
Ferdinand a classic safaris armchair designed by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
A classic safaris armchair designed by Åke Axelsson. After twenty years of work is now …
Ballerina folding table in natural birch or stained by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
Folding table in natural birch or stained. Table top in lightweight laminate with a surface …
Akustik table: A table that complements the chair Akustik by Åke Axelsson – Gärsnäs
A table that complements the chair Akustik. Borderless table with a table top in natural …
Loop by Nina Jobs – Gärsnäs
A new coat stand – this time interpreted by Nina Jobs! Produced using a bentwood …