As part of the launch of the book New Scandinavian Design, the American-Scandinavian Foundation presents an exciting public event hosted by Scandinavia House. Co-editors Katherine Nelson and Raul Cabra invite five prominent Scandinavian designers to talk about their work and share their views on current design trends. The panel will be joined by Christopher Mount, design critic and director of exhibitions and public programs at Parsons School of Design, whose expertise of the Scandinavian Modern movement will bring a historical perspective to the debate.The five invited designers are some of the most influential young artists working in Scandinavia today. Each of them represents an area of expertise that is commonly associated with Nordic design. Catherine Maske is a playful and innovative Norwegian glass artist; the Danish ceramist Ole Jensen creates sculptural yet functional objects; Finnish architect Kivi Sotamaa uses radical hi-tech elements; Icelandic industrial designer Hrafnkell Birgisson makes modern products with references to traditional craft and the versatile Swedish furniture designer Monica Förster uses both traditional and highly innovative material in her work.New Scandinavian Design chronicles trends and tendencies in Scandinavian design over the past decade. Writer Katherine Nelson spent seven years interviewing emerging and established Scandinavian designers, exploring topics such as “democratic design” and the evolution of the Scandinavian aesthetic since the mid-century movement. The book places the contemporary Scandinavian design scene in an interesting social and historical context, and shows the dynamic new trends and working processes that are currently emerging. The book is designed by Raul Cabra, who also edited the content with Ms. Nelson.May 2, 20056:30 pm - 9 pm$15 general admission$10 ASF & Cooper Hewitt membersScandinavia House58 Park Avenue at 38th Street, New YorkFor reservations, call 212-847-9740Image: © Raul Cabra