I’m from Sweden! : An Analysis of How Swedish Domestic Design is connected to Constructions of National Culture and Identity

Sammanfattning: This thesis provides an analysis about the issue that how national identity is constructed and approached by Swedish domestic design works. The case studies mainly focus on the products from two companies in Sweden. They are the porcelain of Gustavsberg AB and the domestic design of Svenskt Tenn AB. Majority of the empirical material was collected by the author through the visit of these two companies. Primarily inspired by the cultural study theory of Bronislaw Malinowski, the author tries to explore the potential relationship between climate condition, human basic needs and domestic designs. Moreover, the design democratic ideal is also analyzed as the social influence of Swedish design. Based on the double experiences of both Swedish culture and Chinese culture, the author addresses her analysis to the design interaction between these two countries. Besides, some of the new trends are also discussed as the contemporary development of Swedish design, such as the feminist inspiration and the challenge of functionalism. The author attempts to find a model of proper interpretation and advisable approach of national culture and identity through studying the examples of Swedish domestic design work.