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Collection by Amanda Dameron

Stockholm Furniture Fair 2011: Part I

This week marks the return of the Stockholm Furniture Fair, the largest annual design event in the Nordic part of the world. Celebrating its sixtieth year in existence, the fair is hosting nearly 800 exhibitors from 30 different countries. We're kicking off our coverage of the show by featuring new works found at the Greenhouse, the portion of the fair dedicated to independent designers and students. Much like Salone Satellite in MIlan, the Greenhouse is comprised of young designers' prototypes; a juried panel makes a final selection from the many submissions that fly in from design schools both near and far. Many of today's prominent designers were discovered here, including Nendo, Front, and Folkform, and this year's jury included Anna von Schewen, Matti Klenell, David Carlsson, and Louise Campbell. Here we present a small selection of pieces on display.

Check out the slideshow to get just a glimpse of the creative pieces on display this year.

View 12 Photos
Yggdrasil, an LED lamp by Gotlund University student Edvin Sjoberg.
Yggdrasil, an LED lamp by Gotlund University student Edvin Sjoberg.
Park Box, by Gotland University student Christina H. Garthe. Constructed of recycled corrugated cardboard, this piece is intended as a souvenir "to bring a little bit of the forest home with you". Seedlings are encased within the package, and can be coaxed to grow in the box or moved to another planter.
Park Box, by Gotland University student Christina H. Garthe. Constructed of recycled corrugated cardboard, this piece is intended as a souvenir "to bring a little bit of the forest home with you". Seedlings are encased within the package, and can be coaxed to grow in the box or moved to another planter.
A close-up view displays text, not in English, alas, that describes Christina's concept.
A close-up view displays text, not in English, alas, that describes Christina's concept.
Poele, by Markus Westerberg. Poele is a wood-burning stove designed for refugees in Sub-Saharan Africa. The design is minimal, efficient and strictly functional. Constructed to withstand the harsh conditions of a refugee camp, the piece has a slightly brushed metal surface that's meant to be easy to maintain, repair, and transport.
Poele, by Markus Westerberg. Poele is a wood-burning stove designed for refugees in Sub-Saharan Africa. The design is minimal, efficient and strictly functional. Constructed to withstand the harsh conditions of a refugee camp, the piece has a slightly brushed metal surface that's meant to be easy to maintain, repair, and transport.
Clover, by Bergen National Academy of the Arts student Hanne Kari Ravndal. This rocking chair features an oak base and a removable wool cushion.
Clover, by Bergen National Academy of the Arts student Hanne Kari Ravndal. This rocking chair features an oak base and a removable wool cushion.
A playground concept, called Lumlum Borgen, by Linnea Engstrom, a student at Gotlund University.
A playground concept, called Lumlum Borgen, by Linnea Engstrom, a student at Gotlund University.
Dumbo, by Lotte Fynboe. This stool, meant for children, can be assembled without the use of tools. Materials used: plywood and a rubber band.
Dumbo, by Lotte Fynboe. This stool, meant for children, can be assembled without the use of tools. Materials used: plywood and a rubber band.
Alvi Silkchair, by Asa Alvi Karolina Karner, a student at The Danish Design School. Karner's piece sports a simple oak frame threaded by silk.
Alvi Silkchair, by Asa Alvi Karolina Karner, a student at The Danish Design School. Karner's piece sports a simple oak frame threaded by silk.
Mosaiik, by Annika Birgitta Goransson, another student at The Danish Design School. This lounge chair has a metal grid framework, woven with foam and wool.
Mosaiik, by Annika Birgitta Goransson, another student at The Danish Design School. This lounge chair has a metal grid framework, woven with foam and wool.
Goransson says the form is inspired by flowerbuds and corncobs.
Goransson says the form is inspired by flowerbuds and corncobs.
We end with a concept piece created by a group of students: Karl-Johan Hjerling, Karin Widmark, Susanne von Ajkay, Therese Broberg. Called "Spring Project", the piece was accompanied by this description (copied verbatim): "[This is] a table that exquisitely shows that however we are forced down, held down, we carry on, and resistance is contagious. Short stories will be written, novels and pamphlets. In the shade of the laminates, which roll themselves up and become tree once again, bills will be paid with a smile. Good for Sweden too!" Young designers! Get in on the Greenhouse action next year, and submit your work to be considered! The last day to apply to Greenhouse 2012 is September 22, 2011. Visit StockholmFurnitureFair.com for more information Everyone else, please stay tuned for more Swedish Furniture Fair 2011 coverage to come!
We end with a concept piece created by a group of students: Karl-Johan Hjerling, Karin Widmark, Susanne von Ajkay, Therese Broberg. Called "Spring Project", the piece was accompanied by this description (copied verbatim): "[This is] a table that exquisitely shows that however we are forced down, held down, we carry on, and resistance is contagious. Short stories will be written, novels and pamphlets. In the shade of the laminates, which roll themselves up and become tree once again, bills will be paid with a smile. Good for Sweden too!" Young designers! Get in on the Greenhouse action next year, and submit your work to be considered! The last day to apply to Greenhouse 2012 is September 22, 2011. Visit StockholmFurnitureFair.com for more information Everyone else, please stay tuned for more Swedish Furniture Fair 2011 coverage to come!