Bongard studied at the National College of Art and Design, Oslo (1938–41). From 1947–55 he was employed by Christiana Glassmagasin and Hadeland Glassworks and from 1957–63 he worked for Figgjo Fajanse. He was artistic director of Plus Workshops (1960–64) and J.W. Cappelens Publishers (art director 1966–68). Bongard designed glass, ceramics, weavings, graphics, silver and stainless steel objects and furniture and plastics. He won the design competition for Norwegian banknotes in 1958. From 1971–85 he taught as professor at the National College of Arts and Design, Oslo. Exhibitions include: Milan Triennale (1954 and 1960); ‘Scandinavian Design in the USA’ (1954 and 1957); World Expo Brussels (1958); and ‘Norwegian Design’, New York (1964). A retrospective exhibition was held at the Oslo Museum of Arts and Crafts (1971). In 1954 he won the gold and silver medal at the Milan Triennale (1954), the Lunning Prize (1957) and the Jacob Prize (1982).