World-renowned Scandinavian designers Thomas Sandell and Lars Bolander discussed design with students, designers and professors in Seoul on Wednesday.

The key to design is functionality, Sandell told a packed crowd of students, designers and professors at the Scandinavian Design House.

The 53-year-old designer said that the trait he emphasized most was functionality, adding that it was the focus of most Scandinavian designers.

The designer focuses on everything from the smallest piece of furniture to the architecture of buildings and even up to city plans, which is a trait of Scandinavian designers as well, said Sandell.

The winner of the Red Dot design award also added that like for most other Swedes, nature plays a big role in his designs.

Sandell’s recent works include the architectural design of the Swedish pavilion at the Yeosu Expo.

The pavilion was designed with a focus on openness in order to create an inviting atmosphere, Sandell said, adding that Swedish design recognizes the importance of an open society where people can come and go freely.

This is Sandell’s first time in Korea and he said that what he has seen so far while moving from the airport to the hotel is that Seoul is more systematically organized than he had initially expected.

However Sandell did express regret over the demolition of Seoul’s older buildings for the construction of newer ones, adding that old buildings were a part of history.

Bolander also spoke about the influence he received from nature and his Swedish background that helped him to become the designer he is today.

The interior designer revisited his past projects with the audience, even mentioning his own house in Florida that he designed.

He emphasized that even the simplest additions such as fake wooden beams and painted doorways can make all the difference.

Bolander’s designs include a Swedish-influenced house in the mountains of Colorado and a quaint Japanese restaurant in Florida.

Both designers, brought by the Swedish Trade Council, visited the Swedish pavilion at the Yeosu Expo during their stay here, where Bolander held a book signing as well.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)