In the project, Swedish and Danish designers are matched with manufacturing companies in Denmark and Sweden respectively to develop new ideas, concepts, and potential products based on industrial surplus and waste materials. Participants are given the opportunity to explore material flows, production methods, and circular design processes, while also building new professional networks across national borders. The results will be presented in an exhibition during Southern Sweden Design Days 2027.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET AS A PARTICIPANT
As a participant, you will have the opportunity to:
- collaborate closely with manufacturing companies in Denmark
- explore industrial surplus materials and production processes
- develop new concepts and prototypes with a focus on circular design
- take part in study visits, seminars, and knowledge exchanges
- connect with designers, producers, and experts in Sweden and Denmark
- present the results during Southern Sweden Design Days
- The project is aimed at designers interested in material-driven design, sustainable development, and new forms of collaboration between design and industry.
About the project
SPOK SWE + DK is a collaborative project between Form/Design Center, Design denmark, and IUC Syd that aims to strengthen relationships between designers and the manufacturing industry across national borders.
Through open calls in Sweden and Denmark, two Swedish and two Danish designers are selected to participate. The participants are matched with manufacturing companies and, over a period of approximately six months, develop ideas and concepts based on the companies’ material flows and surplus materials. The project focuses on circular design, sustainable development, and business concepts with potential for industrial scalability.
The project begins with study visits and company tours, giving participants insight into production methods, materials, and manufacturing processes. Throughout the programme, seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions are also arranged with invited experts, including designer Jenny Nordberg and Linda Nhu Laursen, Professor and Head of Research at AAU Design Lab, Aalborg University.
Timeline
21 May 2026
Information about the open call presented in connection with Material Depot at Form/Design Center
1 July – 31 August 2026
Application period
September 2026
Selection of participants
October 2026
Study visits and seminars
November 2026 – April 2027
Development phase
May 2027
Presentation during Southern Sweden Design Days
WHO CAN APPLY?
The open call is aimed at designers based in southern Sweden (Skåne, Blekinge, Småland, and Halland).
Two participants from Sweden will be selected. Participants from Denmark will be selected through a separate open call organised by Design denmark.
APPLICATION
The application includes:
Name of designer/studio
Email address
Phone number
Short description of your practice
Brief motivation outlining why you would like to participate
Reference projects (describe previously completed projects)
Please submit your application no later than 23:59 on 31 August 2026.
SELECTION
The selection process will be carried out by a jury consisting of representatives from Form/Design Center, Design denmark, and external experts in design and industry. Applicants will be notified in September 2026.
Jury
Anna Gudmundsdottir – Project Manager, SPOK, Form/Design Center
Terese Alstin – Head of Strategic Development for the Design Sector, Form/Design Center
Sarah Laerke Stevens – CEO, Design denmark
Linda Nhu Laursen – Professor & Head of Research, AAU Design Lab, Aalborg University
Jenny Nordberg – Designer
Joakim Enquist – CEO, IUC Syd