Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept
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Proof of Concept is a dynamic exhibition platform exploring the intricate and captivating processes behind design. Showcasing work from a collective of multidisciplinary studios, it highlights self–initiated projects, products that never reached the market, and designs already in circulation. By shedding light on the extensive development process, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of a product—revealing the ideas, challenges, and creativity that shape its journey.

Proof of Concept — Connect is an exhibition that explores how materials, processes, construction and craftsmanship shape our relationship with everyday objects. Designers are invited to consider the role of tactile experiences, traditional techniques, and innovation in forging deeper connections between makers, users, and the spaces we inhabit. Through this exploration, the exhibition celebrates the tangible bonds that bring design to life.

Related Exhibitions
At their workshop on Portugal's Silver Coast, De La Espada combines artisanal furniture making savoir faire with rigorous, research–based contemporary design. Their portfolio of iconic and timeless pieces includes designs by their in–house studio, De La Espada Atelier, and by great figures in the world of international design. Specialising in woodworking and upholstery, they also collaborate with Portuguese artisans across disciplines. De La Espada sits at the heart of design and craft in Portugal and represents true luxury: creativity rather than imitation; extensive research and development; traditional methods that are in scarce supply; a singular aesthetic point–of–view; and no compromise when it comes to materials or effort.
De La Espada
November 29, 2023
Furniture
Part of 2024
Part of 2025
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Lasting change begins at the smallest scale. No detail is too little, no problem too small, no emotion trivial and no person irrelevant. In a time defined by environmental and social challenges, design becomes a tool for care, attention, and responsibility, where every step matters and every effort counts. At Lund University School of Industrial Design, education is grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world engagement. Students question, test, and refine, engaging with people and contexts, bringing together diverse perspectives. The school fosters a new generation of designers who create with intent and awareness. Their work reflects a shift from producing more to creating meaningful impact. Because Every Thing Matters.
Lund University
February 19, 2026
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Furniture
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Jakobsen Copenhagen is a Danish furniture brand rooted in the heritage of Scandinavian design and inspired by the creative spirit of Copenhagen. The brand creates sofas and chairs that combine timeless aesthetics, comfort, and craftsmanship with a contemporary sense of warmth and personality. With design, development, and production closely connected, each piece reflects careful attention from idea to finished furniture. Guided by the philosophy “Design by Tradition. Copenhagen by Heart,” Jakobsen Copenhagen brings clarity, quality, and human connection into modern living spaces.
Jakobsen Copenhagen
February 6, 2026
Furniture
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Garde Hvalsøe has, since 1990, created kitchens and interiors shaped by hand, material, and architectural intent. Each project begins with natural materials and the people who will live with it. Made to order, every detail is considered in relation to its purpose and surroundings. Rooted in Danish craftsmanship, the work reflects a belief in making things properly, allowing time, technique, and material to define the result. Interiors made to be used, to age, and to remain.
Garde Hvalsøe
November 7, 2022
Kitchen
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Other Exhibitions
PAP DECO is a family–run Polish manufactory that has become a pioneer in creating hand–carved furniture handles and wall decorations using traditional casting techniques. With more than 30 years of experience in metallurgy, the brand has been evolving across generations, with its founders—brothers Piotr and Marcin Papliński—working alongside their father, Jerzy, who instilled in them a passion for working with noble brass. The pieces crafted directly by the artisans are artistic objects with ergonomic functions, each one a timeless example of functional art. PAP DECO creates not only unique brass handles and decorations with sculptural forms, but also other fully personalised ornamental elements.
PAP DECO
January 26, 2026
Saba is a female-led company with a design philosophy rooted in strong, thoughtful concepts. The mission is to seamlessly blend the functional virtues of design with an emotional, expressive language. Every Saba space is characterized by soft, rounded forms, deliberately free of sharp edges, to evoke a sense of comfort and welcome. The brand places exceptional emphasis on detail, particularly in its meticulous choice of textiles and coverings. A defining principle of Saba is the harmony between freedom and poetry, reflected in the flexibility of its products, the richness of its colors and fabrics, and the guiding creative vision. Combined with precise tailoring and artisanal touches, these elements result in Saba’s signature aesthetic.
Saba Italia
February 17, 2025
ReCraft Design Studio is a Copenhagen-based practice working with reclaimed materials, including demolition waste and production offcuts, to create architectural elements and spatial interventions. Through hands-on experimentation and material research, the studio explores how existing resources can be reintroduced into contemporary design. Focusing on irregular and overlooked materials, ReCraft reveals the inherent qualities of what is already in circulation, extending its life while opening up new possibilities for use. Rather than concealing a materials history, the studio embraces it, allowing surfaces and traces of previous lives to inform new architectural applications.
ReCraft Design Studio
March 3, 2026
Founded in 2010 in Copenhagen, &Tradition is an international brand, built on a Danish legacy of craftsmanship and design. &Tradition tell stories with originality. Whether the starting point is new or re–issued, they are passionate about designing the classics of tomorrow. They believe in empowering their employees and network of creatives, designers and partners to take an active part in their journey as a brand. With the planet and the people at the core, we strive to always act conscientiously.
&Tradition
January 6, 2022
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