Mikael Lugnegård
On the border of northern wilderness lies the magical subarctic city of Umea--home, refuge and muse to talented 31-year-old Swedish designer . Once a student at the renowned Umea Institute of Design, he educated himself in a wide assortment of techniques and softwares to be the best artist he can be in his field. Now, he has established his own studio, Lugnegard Design, which has been up and buzzing since 2005.
He vividly describes himself as a concept artist rather than an industrial designer, but we have to acknowledge that he truly is a multi-talented virtuoso.
He vividly describes himself as a concept artist rather than an industrial designer, but we have to acknowledge that he truly is a multi-talented virtuoso.
Lugnegard’s new concept car, the Laguna SECA, illustrates the sleek grandeur of his vision. He centers the classic vintage vehicle, equipped with the characteristic elongated grills and magnified wheels, in a warehouse garage--a majestic, Great Gatsby-esque automobile in a bleak, industrial dungeon. This juxtaposition accentuates the form and sculpture of the Laguna SECA, which Lugnegard is very conscious of: his inspirations include Michelangelo and Rembrandt, whom he admires for their “craftsmanship” of design and emphasis on aesthetics over functionality. “Beauty needs to be just beauty once in a while,” according to Lugnegard.
