Hans Eichenberger
Hans Eichenberger is a furniture and interior designer based in Herrenschwanden, near Bern. Following his training as a carpenter, his early years took him to Paris, where in the early 1950s Eichenberger was part of a dynamic cultural milieu that strongly impacted his life and work. Back in Switzerland, he went on to develop an undeniable impact in 20th century Swiss design history. From his collaborations with Trix and Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut, teo jakob, Alfred Hablützel — under the label “Swiss Design” — and Atelier 5, to his projects for clients such as the Swiss National Bank, the Kunstmuseum Bern and the SBB, Eichenberger’s many projects are inextricably linked with the making of modern Switzerland. His work is included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, and the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.
The Confederation grants Eichenberger a Swiss Grand Award for Design in recognition of his seminal role in shaping the history of 20th century Swiss furniture and interior design, and his influence in multiple generations of designers both in Switzerland and abroad. Prior to the Grand Award, Eichenberger was distinguished with the Swiss Design Award in 1954, 1957 and 1958. He served as an expert for the Swiss Design Competition from 1977 to 1983.