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Photo: Gärsnäs
Photo: Lotta Jewellery
Swedish design: flying the sustainable humanist flag A strong tradition of democratic thinking, simplicity in form, and openness to a healthy variety of cultural influences have been among the defining features of Swedish design. This simple expression has become increasingly bold and diverse, reflecting the multiformity of our time. By Svensk Form
As a knowledge platform, intermediary and advocate for the design field in Sweden, Svensk Form knows all about the best ideas and creations coming out of this pioneering scene. Much like the design special that follows in this magazine, Svensk Form works with a variety of designers and design disciplines, from services and environments to crafts and industrial design. Promotion of Swedish design abroad is also key, resulting in collaborations such as the Design Solution: Swedish Design for 170 years exhibition during the 2016 Taipei World Design Capital. The exhibition explores the Design Solution theme while echoing the core idea of the 2016 Taipei Design Capital, which is adapting design thinking to solve social issues.
der the age of 36 and giving an indication of what is brewing on the scene. Expect everything from social and environmental engagement to a distinctive return to craft traditions and appreciation for natural materials. This seems an inevitable fate; as we become more digital, mobile and international, our appreciation for the roots and the handmade increases.
Supporting up-and-coming talent is also a key part of the organisation’s work, including awards such as Ung Svensk Form, supporting young designers un-
Sweden is a country of inventors and pioneers. Backed up by a profound democratic foundation and an abundance of playfulness, we offer a unique breeding
14 | Issue 89 | June 2016
As is the case across most sectors, sustainability is a recurring theme. During Stockholm Design Week, while Swedish furniture companies will continue to showcase their typical functional, practical and accessible quality designs, you will find a new and growing responsibility for sustainability, circular economy and the life cycle of each product.
ground for innovation. As a small country, we always have been and will continue to be open to international influences. We are a country where hierarchies, money and material success are not celebrated as much as humanism and entrepreneurship. Read on to find examples of some of the finest designs from Sweden at the moment.
Svensk Form, founded in 1845, is a Swedish design society working to stimulate the design development and promote Swedish design internationally, including encouraging Swedish designers and architects in every field. The organisation has its own magazine, Form, founded in 1905, which has been published in both English and Swedish six times a year, and runs the national design award Design S and Ung Svensk Form (Young Swedish Design).
For more information, please visit: svenskform.se, www.design-s.se, and www.ungsvenskform.se