Summer eXpression has begun and the participants have had the opportunity to visit different manufacturers around the region, holding lectures and workshops on topics such as the design process, circular design and sustainable production. The designers have explored different materials, techniques and crafts, and they have gained an insight into manufacturing processes. Sketching and prototyping are now on the schedule until August when it is time to present the work to the programme's advisory board.
In the first few weeks we have been encouraged to come up with as many ideas as possible and then select 3-4 of them to explore further. To achieve this, I think it has been rewarding to go back and be inspired by what we saw during the manufacturer visits in the first week. Another rewarding part I took with me is to work with a specific feeling or experience you want to evoke, rather than just function, in the development of the ideas, which is something I will take with me also in future work, says Cornelia Kalle, an architecture student and one of the ten designers attending Summer eXpression.
The summer programme kicked off with a study trip up north to Furniture Farm in Lövånger. There, the designers had a unique opportunity to dive into the world of carpentry and explore their production process. After a rewarding start, the trip continued to Swedish Cushions in Flarken. There, participants received a comprehensive presentation of the company's manufacturing process and were also able to familiarise themselves with the various machines used to create the company's quality products. As an added bonus, participants were offered material samples. These can be used for prototyping during the programme.
Norrlandsgjuteriet in Robertsfors was the next stop on the study tour. Here, the designers received a detailed explanation of how positive and negative moulds are used to make cast iron products. With the machines in full swing, they got an impressive view of the casting process and a deeper understanding of the manufacturing method.
A few kilometres south of Umeå, in Sörfors, participants got the chance to step into the world of crafts at the Högkläppgården. Here they could experiment with different wool techniques and let their creativity flow.
The designers have also been able to listen to a lecture and participate in a workshop led by Linn Backman Hallberg. Linn shared her knowledge on circular design processes, sustainable design, material selection and production. It was a day filled with valuable learning and inspiration.
Also Humlebäck, Röbäck Glass & Clay and Kazam textile studio visits were on the agenda during the first week. The designers got a closer look at the ceramics and fine carpentry carried out at Humlebäck. At Röbäck Glas & Lera, they got even more inspiration with glass and clay as materials. The last stop of the week was Kazam Textile Studio, where they got to experience the fascinating world of textile design.
There is a strong starting field in this year's programme; I have already seen several innovative and interesting ideas that also have a clear sustainability focus. The group feels confident and driven. With a few intense weeks ahead, this is incredibly valuable! I look forward to following these young designers and providing support where needed. Of course, I hope this gives them more flavour and is just the start of their entrepreneurial journey, says Fanny Lindén, coach and programme manager for Summer eXpression.
Main image: Bea Holmberg.
