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
Swiss based USM Modular Furniture has been providing timeless and high–quality modular furniture designs suitable for both home and office environments for 60 years. Recognised as a design classic, USM Modular Furniture was formally accepted into the permanent Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), confirming the artistic character of the product. Created from a few basic elements, the company’s furniture offers tailor–made solutions that can be expanded or reconfigured as needed. Each furniture piece allows room for maximum versatility and creativity. To encourage long–term use, all of the USM product lines are made from high–quality materials for strength and durability to last for generations.
USM Modular Furniture
January 31, 2025
Furniture
Part of 2025
Part of 2026
Davidpompa is a Mexican lighting studio focused on materiality, research and craftsmanship, creating collections that explore the beauty of raw materials. Founded by designer David Pompa, the studio collaborates with artisans across Mexico, combining traditional techniques with a contemporary design language. The work is rooted in respect for material and process, where each piece reflects heritage and refined design. Materials such as clay, stone and metal are central to the collections, shaped through skilled craftsmanship and ongoing material exploration. Davidpompa creates lighting that is tactile and atmospheric, balancing precision with a strong connection to material and making, resulting in objects that feel timeless and refined.
davidpompa
January 15, 2024
Furniture
Lighting
Part of 2026
It’s all about furniture heritage and family heritage. Founded in 2024 by Edward Gubi, a third–generation member of the GUBI family, DesignPreowned is built on a passion for preserving and renewing design history. Together with his team, Edward Gubi sources and acquires pre–owned furniture primarily from Scandinavia—often overlooked classics from the 1930s to the 1980s—which are carefully restored and upcycled to fit contemporary interiors.
Designpreowned
March 25, 2025
Furniture
Part of 2025
Part of 2026
Yllw creates spaces designed to last—through circular transformation. Combining high quality design, procurement, project management, delivery and lifecycle services, Yllw supports clients from idea to refurbishment, relocation, reuse and long–term optimisation. Founded in 2021 and part of NGLM Group, Yllw operates across the Nordics and is one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, reaching over 55 MEUR in four years. At the core is Yllw Factory, where existing furniture is given new life and combined with new production when needed—forming scalable circular solutions. Through a subscription–based model, clients gain flexible access to a wide supplier network—designed to adapt over time.
YLLW
March 24, 2026
Furniture
Part of 2026
Other Exhibitions
Vintola Studio, founded in Warsaw in 2018 by designer Ola Szewczul, is a Polish design brand focused on collectible furniture and contemporary functional design that merge vintage sensitivity with refined craftsmanship. The studio creates original furniture collections designed by Szewczul alongside carefully curated and restored vintage pieces, combining sculptural form, tactile materials and balanced proportions with everyday usability. Alongside collectible objects, Vintola Studio develops premium furniture for hospitality interiors, with pieces designed for luxury hotels, refined residential spaces and fine dining restaurants.
Vintola Studio
January 22, 2026
Tom Dixon, founded by the eponymous British designer Tom Dixon, stands as a global design powerhouse. Renowned for innovative creations such as the Melt pendant, Mirror Ball, and other instantly recognisable designs, the brand seamlessly blends craftsmanship and contemporary design. Its avant-garde approach to lighting, furniture and accessories has earned it a place in prestigious museums worldwide, including the V&A in London, MoMA in New York, and the Pompidou Centre in Paris. The London studio in Kings Cross serves as the epicentre of Tom Dixon's creative prowess. Embracing the ethos of innovation, honest materials, and longevity, Tom Dixon has become a global design trailblazer with an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
TOM DIXON
January 31, 2024
Crafting Plastics! x Studio LoopLoop brings together expertise in biomaterial innovation and circular production to explore new material futures. Crafting Plastics! develops bio–based polymers and regenerative material systems, translating scientific research into scalable design applications. Studio LoopLoop focuses on circular design processes, working with waste streams and plant–based resources to create material–driven objects and spatial experiences. Together, the studios investigate colour, light, texture and form through sustainable materials, bridging experimentation and application across interiors, lighting, product design and architecture, with a shared commitment to circularity and environmental responsibility.
Crafting Plastics! x Loop Loop
April 30, 2026
Rolf Benz is a global byword for premium upholstered and living room furniture “Made in Germany.” The balance between modern, customisable design, innovative functions, the best materials and the highest level of craftsmanship remains unmatched to this day. For the 400 employees of the company, which was founded in 1964, the challenge is not just to design beautiful furniture, but to create furniture that makes life more beautiful. The ROLF BENZ brand stands for “Human–Loving Design” and thus emphasises the individuality of its customers. The legendary Rolf Benz quality that is created in the two factories in the northern Black Forest also makes ROLF BENZ a sought-after partner for discerning planners and hosts all over the world.
Rolf Benz
March 26, 2026
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Proof of Concept
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