6 Highlights From Stockholm Design Week

In its first edition back after three years hiatus due to covid-imposed lockdowns, Stockholm Design Week made its return last week. Featuring the reinstatement of Stockholm Furniture Fair, an array of installations in and around the city opened for the design world as it descended on the Swedish capital to absorb the region’s wealth of design talent.

Supported by partners including Nordiska Galleriet Group, and with VIPs being shuttled across the city by Swedish automotive pioneers Polestar, the 6-day event focused on craft and innovation from the Scandinavian region, once again showcasing the quality of design and how makers and designers in the area pay close attention to sustainability through their application of natural materials and conscious design methods.

Here are six highlights which stood out:

Älvsjö gård

Situated on the same site as Stockholm Furniture Fair, the historic Älvsjö gård manor house became home to a curated selection of experimental design from across the Scandinavian region. Displayed across its two floors and 13 rooms, the exhibition showcased collectible design from names including Norway’s Pyton Gallery and the work of Swedish sculptor Kajsa Melchior. The avant-garde beauty of these limited-edition, collectible designs resulted in a striking juxtaposition against the grand interior of the house itself. A wonderful addition to the 2023 schedule.

The Nude Edition at Stockholm Furniture Fair

Seeking to showcase a more sustainable alternative to the standard construction of exhibition stands and trade fairs, The Nude Edition was an area within Stockholm Furniture Fair where the stands were created from repurposed materials which were then returned and recycled once the show was over. Working with Recoma to create the structures and Tarkett for flooring, the pilot project housed 11 stands as a snapshot into what could be achieved at a wider-scale in the future. The Nude Edition featured brands such as Swedish Ninja and Mutebox and is a step forward in facilitating a route towards a more circular exhibition industry.

The ‘Together’ Project by NK Interior

On display at Stockholm’s iconic department store, NK, the ‘Together’ Project was an initiative set up by NK Interior in partnership with Swedish glassmakers, Reijmyre Glassworks. Bringing together six renowned designers and the 2022 Together scholarship holder Julie Amira, contemporary designs handcrafted from glass were displayed in the windows of the historic store, which dates back to 1915. Featuring a glass candlestick titled ‘Sprout’ by Lisa Hilland, two unique, sculptural objects by Maxjenny and a glass floral display named ‘Lycka’ by Anki Gneib, the project highlighted the beauty of local, artisanal production as well as the importance of community in bringing the designers together as part of one initiative.

‘The Bright Future of Wellbeing’ by BAUX

Working with eight students from some of the region’s most notable architectural schools, acoustics pioneers BAUX presented a futuristic vision of how buildings can nurture our productivity and wellbeing. With each student being tasked with a different brief, and the need to include the application of BAUX’s sustainable building materials, the gallery-style exhibition included models of a futuristic office, a cultural venue on the edge of the sea and a school for over 300 children encouraging them to interact with the building through moveable walls and a dynamic layout. With the showcase set to travel to other fairs internationally, it is helping to raise awareness in how public spaces can be more connected to their users, all while using the most sustainable materials possible.

Svenst Tenn x Folkform

In an eye-catching exhibition within Stockholm’s iconic interior store, art and design duo Folkform presented their new lighting collection in partnership with the retailer, as part of the Stockholm Design Week schedule. Titled ‘Pleated for Frank’, the collection reinterprets a pleated lampshade design using the archive prints of Josef Frank as well as monochrome variations in Svenskt Tenn’s own linen fabric. Bold colourful prints popped against an emerald green backdrop which brought the collection to life. Merging traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology, these designs are heirlooms of the future.

The Pira G2 by String Furniture

Based on a design classic from 1955, the Pira G2 shelving system by String Furniture is Scandinavian design at its finest. Originally designed by Swedish architect Olle Pira, the mid-century design has been reimagined by the brand in partnership with architect Anna von Schewen and industrial designer Björn Dahlström. A modular design which can be free-standing or wall-mounted, the Pira G2 is created with longevity in mind. Reconfigurable and easy to re-install, the system is designed to stay with you for life, allowing it to fit into new spaces with ease. With walnut and oak finish options, the steel and aluminium framed system was showcased for the first time at Stockholm Furniture Fair and, with its connection to the 1950s, is a beautiful amalgamation of classic Scandinavian design and modern-day technology and innovation.