Over recent years Norway has begun to establish an impressive international reputation in the worlds of design, architecture and culture. As the now familiar names such as Snøhetta and Norway Says come of age, cementing their position with major landmark projects, a new generation is also emerging and continues to set new benchmarks in quality, innovation and sustainability.

Norwegian design today is more internationally relevant, planet-aware, innovation-driven and culturally sophisticated than ever before. As it has evolved beyond the cultural clichés that can often define Scandinavian design, however, there remains a strong sense of provenance, and many Norwegian designers can be found to celebrate traditional craftsmanship, customs and materials. Naturally, too,  the extraordinary landscape of the homeland is a major inspiration to most.

Curated once again by Henrietta Thompson the joint exhibition is designed by young architects of the moment Brendeland & Kristoffersen whose Bedroom Box, a standalone two-storey bedroom element taken from the architects’ Svartlamoen project in Trondheim, forms the central element of the Norwegian show at 100% Design. Contrary to many booths used in trade-fair environments such as this, almost every element of the 100% Norway stands will be recycled, or recyclable, or (in most cases) both.

Building on the success of previous years, 100% Norway 2008 will showcase the best new works of both established and up-and-coming designers. Further highlights of the two exhibitions (which will each show a different collection of items) include an achingly elegant range of furniture that brings daylight to SAD sufferers from Daniel Rybakken, an entirely customisable and sustainable chair from Meld, and a number of accessories designed specifically for use in Oslo’s incredible new Opera House from Johan Verde and Slip. This year’s visitors can also look forward to world launches from Norway Says, Stokke Austad and Frost Produkt among others, and witness the first UK showing of new Norwegian designers and manufacturers including Tveit & Tornøe; Wyller, Frøystad & Klock; and Nora Form.

For more information contact:

Head of Information Grete Kobro
gk@norskdesign.no 23 29 25 57 / 90 76 59 71

Curator Benedicte Sunde
benedicte@doga.no 23 29 28 78 / 45 04 93 07