Design in Norway

Voss Water - design by Neil Kraft

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Figgjo Plattform - design by Olav Joa

Heron Lamp - design by Isao Hosoe & manufactured by Luxo

The Norwegian Design Council MD Jan R. Stavik surrounded by Norwegian design!

Th!nk City - designed and manufactured by Think Nordic

Voss Water - design by Neil Kraft

Visual Identity for the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet - Design by Dinamo Design

 

For many years, "Norwegian design" was a virtually non-existent concept everywhere but in Norway. This is no longer the case. In the past few years, Norwegian design has re-emerged as a rising star, and Norwegian design of today is seen as exciting, fresh and innovative.

The recent upsurge in the interest in Norwegian design is largely due to the work of a new generation of talented designers. Innovative forces within the various disciplines have brought new dazzle to Norwegian design, refining and enhancing its appeal.

Directory listings - Designbasen

The Norwegian Design Counci recently released an online directory, Designbasen, listing all design agencies and freelance designers in Norway. The directory makes it easier for businesses to find relevant design competency. Unfortunately, Designbasen is in Norwegian only for now.

For further information on Designbasen, please contact Project manager Ingjerd Jevnaker via email.

The Norwegian Design Council promotes design to businesses

Norway’s design industry is relatively small, but actively promoted. The Norwegian Design Council (NDC) was set up in 1963 and is financed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It has a strong focus on encouraging design within industry, and its core activity takes the form of , promoting design as a strategic tool to improve competitiveness.

Facts and figures - The Norwegian Design Industry

In 2003 there were approximately 2,300 businesses in the Norwegian design industry.

These broke down into: 1,173 architecture firms, 186 interior design and decoration firms, 741 general design firms, and about 200 industrial design firms.

In 2003 the design industry achieved a turnover of 2,790m NOK. Small to medium sized firms dominate the industry: 89% of firms employ fewer than 5 people. Oslo is the hub for the design industry, being home to 48% of design businesses.

For a more coherent overview of the industry, download the Norwegian Design Industry report published by research group NIFU STEP here.

  /  The Norwegian Design Industry Report 2004 - Nils Henrik Solum & Marit Hubak (PDF)

Design Awards

Every year The Norwegian Design Council acknowledges the very best of innovative solutions, developed by companies and designers, through the annual Award for Design Excellence. Among its recipients, the jury nominates projects that distinguish themselves for The Honours Award for Design Excellence.

Read more about design awards here

Alternative sources of information on Norwegian design can be found on these sites:

Innovation Norway

Grafill - Norwegian Organisation for Visual Communication

NID - The Association for Industrial Designers

DBF - The Association of Norwegian Design Agencies

NIL - The Norwegian Organisation of Interior Architects and Furniture Designers