Based on a shared design philosophy, UFOU invited Hans in 2022 to reinterpret the ONO Desk System — not to reinvent its legacy, but to let it grow from new perspectives.
The collaboration became a dialogue between the classic and the contemporary. To understand it, one must first step into Hans’s world.
The Harmony of Contradictions
Hans inhabits a world of gentle contradictions: rational yet idealistic, calm yet
unconventional. Even today, he trusts human intuition and the warmth of the hand, creating designs
that balance functionality with lasting meaning.
The Awakening of a Design Philosophy
Before fully dedicating himself to design, Hans began his journey as a set
designer and administrator at the Dueslaget theatre. He observed the subtle interplay of
objects, space, and emotion and he realized that good design is more than form and function — it
is a narrative of life.
Hans’s years in Milan (1983–1990) were decisive. Drawn to the rebellious spirit of the Memphis Group, he explored design that fused kitsch, Art Deco, and Pop Art with the energy of rock, cinema, theatre, and urban life. “Memphis knocked me off my feet,” he recalls. “It awakened countless thoughts and set the foundation of my philosophy.”
Hans’s years in Milan (1983–1990) were decisive. Drawn to the rebellious spirit of the Memphis Group, he explored design that fused kitsch, Art Deco, and Pop Art with the energy of rock, cinema, theatre, and urban life. “Memphis knocked me off my feet,” he recalls. “It awakened countless thoughts and set the foundation of my philosophy.”
Design as Storytelling
In 1990, Hans Thyge & Co was established — a studio defined by openness,
experimentation, and curiosity. Hans wears multiple hats: mentor, collaborator, and guide. He
nurtures young designers while embracing the fresh perspectives they bring.
He describes the studio as both ordinary and extraordinary: its ordinariness, like that of any design studio, lies in creating the objects people need; its extraordinariness is that it serves as a stage where he sees himself as a storyteller. He said: “I love telling stories. I love being part of social contexts, because good stories arise from interaction with others and through curiosity.”
He describes the studio as both ordinary and extraordinary: its ordinariness, like that of any design studio, lies in creating the objects people need; its extraordinariness is that it serves as a stage where he sees himself as a storyteller. He said: “I love telling stories. I love being part of social contexts, because good stories arise from interaction with others and through curiosity.”
The Balance of Freedom and Discipline
Hans’s working method embodies a duality: experimental and sensory-driven, yet
systematic and disciplined. Inspiration springs from observation, exploration, and experience,
while ideas are translated into actionable design through writing, discussion, and clear
goal-setting. This balance of chaos and order, freedom and structure, imbues his work with life,
depth, and resonance.
Hans’s Design in ONO
Guided by his distinctive design philosophy, ONO Desk System's design is rooted in
the most ancient archetype — “the tree” — with its round trunk, roots, and branches, symbolizing
the resilience of life and the power of growth. Every element is reduced to its essential,
sculptural essence, offering a timeless framework that adapts to different spaces and needs.
As Hans says, “Good design should create an experience and stimulate the viewer's
thoughts. Objects should speak to the user. Even the simplest and most mundane designs should offer
layers of recognition and experiences.” In ONO, this philosophy comes to life: every curve, every
connection carries Hans’s belief that design should be living, adaptable, and meaningful.