Swedish design: “Light Doesn’t Exist” by Alexander Lervik

What is light, and how do we perceive it?

In his exhibition “Light Doesn’t Exist,” swedish designer Alexander Lervik invites visitors to explore light’s philosophical nature. Partnering with Stockholm Lighting Company, Lervik has created four cubes that let visitors experience daylight, darkness, reflection, and color.

“Light doesn’t exist as a tangible entity; it’s a phenomenon that only eyes can see, just as color exists only when perceived by the eye,” Lervik explains. “Daylight is vital for survival, but darkness is equally important for perceiving light.”

Light Doesn’t Exist, exhibition by Alexander Lervik. Photo Micaela Wernberg, courtesy Stockholm Furniture Fair

Exhibition “Practice Unfiltered” by Olsson Lyckefors

Swedish architecture firm Olsson Lyckefors offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at their unpolished daily work in “Practice Unfiltered.” Rather than showcasing perfect finished projects, they present early sketches, incomplete ideas, and the twists that shape a project’s path. By sharing these raw moments, Johan Olsson and Andreas Lyckefors aim to deepen the public’s understanding of architecture.

“Architecture is not a straight line; it’s a journey full of surprises and challenges. True creativity and expertise emerge during these uncertain moments,” the architects say.

The exhibition is housed in a pavilion originally designed by Olsson Lyckefors for Papershell. For the fair, it has been rebuilt with sustainable materials like CLT (cross-laminated timber) and Papershell’s facade panel prototypes. After the fair, the pavilion will travel to new locations.

Exhibition “Plastic Perspectives” by Lund University

Plastic, despite its short history, has become a vital part of modern life, and of contemporary swedish design. It’s found everywhere, from the oceans to outer space, and is nearly impossible to remove.

“Plastic Perspectives” raises important questions about our relationship with plastic. Featuring ten designers and researchers, it explores bio-based materials, smart plastic use, and circular systems. Curated by Julia Hertzman of Formprocess, the exhibition presents forward-looking approaches to plastics, asking how, when, and why we should use the material.

The exhibition draws inspiration from Lund University’s STEPS research program (Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways). It is funded by Formas and created in collaboration with researchers, Form/Design Center, Konstfack, and Formprocess.

Plastic Perspectives

Exhibition “Italia Geniale” by ADI Museum and Italian Cultural Institute

First unveiled at the Dubai Expo 2021 and reworked for Stockholm, “Italia Geniale” celebrates Italian creativity and craftsmanship across five themes: mobility, health and well-being, imagination, relationships, and work.

Curated by the ADI Design Museum, which houses the complete Compasso d’Oro collection, this exhibition highlights both historical and contemporary Italian design. Many of the selected objects have received the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award, established in 1954 by Gio Ponti.

The exhibition includes works from over 60 brands, featuring timeless pieces by Ferrari, Poltrona Frau, Flos, Artemide, and Olivetti, as well as innovations from Arduino and Mogu. It is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Sweden, the Italian Cultural Institute in Stockholm, and ITA Italian Trade Agency.

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