Ex-Works success stories
Ex-Works success stories
Between 2020 and 2022, the Museum of Furniture Studies in Stockholm hosted the Ex-Works exhibitions, showcasing graduation projects from five Swedish design colleges. Through match-making events, students connected with the Swedish furniture industry, leading to collaborations that turned ideas into products.
During 2020 and 2022, the Museum of Furniture Studies, then located in Stockholm, carried out the exhibition 'Ex-Works'. 23 and 40 students, respectively, from five Swedish design colleges participated in showing their degree projects. Normally, design colleges display their student's work only briefly in connection with their annual examinations. The museum's initiative was to get all graduation projects from all five colleges together in one exhibition, which had not happened before.
The Ex-Works exhibitions were undeniably successful. They provided museum visitors with a comprehensive view of the current state of young Swedish design while giving students a valuable opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
Above all, the museum’s match-making events, where the students pitched their ideas to the furniture industry, yielded the most results. Below are four examples of how the Ex-Works project helped stimulate new collaborations and new products on the Swedish market.
The Nomole Bar stool by Ronja Reuber.
School: Beckmans College of Design
Produced by: Offecct
Ronja’s degree project, a bar stool named Nomole, was designed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and intended for production through a sustainable business model. In 2022, Nomole was featured in the product range of the manufacturer Offecct.
Check out our own MDM Talks episode with Ronja here.
Watch our video showcasing her project from the Ex-Works 2020 exhibition.
The Maximus chair by Johan Ansander.
School: Konstfack - University of Arts, Crafts, and Design
Produced by: Blå Station
Johan’s master’s degree project took shape at a local sawmill just outside Stockholm, serving as an inspiring backdrop. Exploring innovative approaches to working with solid wood, he created four unique chairs, each with its own distinct character.The Maximus chair received maximum attention, not least at Blå Station, which decided to launch the chair on the market. Since then, Johan has been one of the company's designers, with two more chairs in the range.
Check out our MDM Talks episode with Johan here.
Watch our video showcasing his project from the exhibition.
The Moci table by Moa Sjöberg.
School: Malmstens LiU
Produced by: Asplunds
Moa took a unique approach to her degree project at Malmstens, beginning with a hand-blown glass as her starting point. From there, she designed a coffee table to complement it, and finally, she created a rug to complete the ensemble. Her innovative work caught the attention of the Swedish manufacturer Asplunds, who launched a dining table version together with the designer called Moci. Today, Moa has taken her talent to Milan, where she works alongside the world-renowned designer Patricia Urquiola.
Watch our video showcasing her graduation project from the 2020 Ex-Works exhibition.
The Meander sofa system by Hannes Åström.
School: Malmstens LiU
Produced by: Karl Andersson & Söner
In his degree project, Hannes created a seating system made of solid wood aimed for use in public spaces. His vision featured organically shaped sofas designed to come together like the gentle flow of a winding river. The sofa system, named Meander, has been manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner since 2021.
Watch our video showcasing his graduation project from the 2020 Ex-Works exhibition.
