The Brightest Northern Light of Scandinavian Design: The Stockholm Furniture Fair 2011
The world’s largest and most important trade fair for Scandinavian design was held in Stockholm from February 8-10. The fair now has a long tradition; this year, it celebrated its 60-year anniversary. The guest of honour was no less a personage than Israeli-born designer Arik Levy, who transformed the entry lounge into a much-frequented meeting point. This is also where the anniversary celebration was held. And there were several things to celebrate, above all the Swedish producers made themselves the centre of attention. Come along on a winter walk through Stockholm’s design fair!Spotlights on
The light bar was a popular meeting point that could not be overlooked. About one hundred black suspended luminaires from various designers were hung here, crafting space from above, and bringing inspiration and illumination.
One highlight that was brighter than all the others was the unique light sculpture "Dimension" by Swedish designer Alexander Lervik. The sculpture is on loan from Skandia, for whom it was commissioned. The 1,728 LED-illuminated heads symbolise the employees of Skandia. Overall, the sculpture creates a three-dimensional screen. All of the heads can be controlled individually, which creates exciting plays of light, a completely new technology from the Stockholm Lighting Company.
Design Bar
The Design Bar is a combination of exhibition space, bar and VIP lounge that is designed by a different Swedish designer each year.
This time, it was designed by Katrin Greiling. An architect, industrial designer and photographer, Greiling was born in Germany and studied in Stockholm, where she now works.
She created a landscape that conjured up images of primeval Europe while also allowing flashes of Oriental influence. Visitors were seduced into becoming part of this landscape and take part in the interplay of perceptions.
The interior design dealt with private and public space in a manner that questioned our concept of seclusion as well as our interaction with place and status.
B25 - Blå Station turns 25 – congratulations!
On the last day of the Stockholm Furniture Fair, the furniture manfacturer Blå Station turned 25 years old. One of the ways they are celebrating is with their anniversary product, the B25.
The Spanish-Swedish design duo Cate & Nelson created the B25 completely in line with the specifications of the German Wilhelminian period: a laminated and compression moulded wooden ring with naturally tanned leather. One of Blå Station’s key ideas is creating furniture "families", which is why there is also a desk for the B25 chair.
Offecct completely in green
The Swedish company presented a new collection of products entitled "OASIS". Various designers created diverse concepts for Offecct, combining flowers and plants. Design objects that not only improve the interiors but also should improve the air quality of the interior spaces. "Green ISLANDS" was developed by designer Jean-Marie Massaud. Another group is called the "GREEN PEDESTALS", designed by "Front". Green also figured prominently in the Soundwaves, Offecct’s stylish acoustic panels. And by the way - Offecct has also introduced a kind of telephone booth for the office.
Orange, red, some yellow, and even pink – and a lot of blue
New colours? Definitely: orange surged strongly again, there was more red on display, and there were also highlights in yellow. Even pink was around – and these colours were mostly found in a motley mix. In addition, there was lots of blue in a wide variety of tones, creating peaceful yet colourful accents. Grey was hardly seen in Stockholm; white was a standard, but not an overwhelming one, and there was a little black, but there were a lot of natural colours. As a counterweight to bright colours. Green of course fits well into this scheme.
The city, on the other hand, was all in white
While bright colours at the trade fair grounds welcomed the spring, Stockholm was covered in beautiful snowdrifts. Those who managed to fight their way through the snow to make it to Satellite Events during the Stockholm Design Week, or were luckier with the weather on other days, probably have plenty more to tell of the fair.
Nicole Schemerl-Streben
