Menu

Project

Open call: Development project SPOK SWE + DK

Are you a designer based in Denmark with an interest in circular design, material experimentation, and collaborations with the manufacturing industry? SPOK, together with Design denmark, is now seeking designers for a cross-border development project focused on industrial waste materials and sustainable development.

SPOK SWE + DK

Presented by Form/Design Center & SPOK

In collaboration with Design denmark & IUC Syd

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 Sweden
  • 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.

 

Compensation & practical information

  • Development contribution: All designers receive a development contribution (DKK 20,000)
  • Materials & travel: A joint, paid study trip is arranged for all participants. As the project centers on surplus/waste materials, no major material costs are expected during the development phase.
  • Time commitment: You decide how much time you dedicate — there are no fixed expectations on scope or scheduling (evenings/weekends vs. weekdays). The development phase involves collaboration with your matched manufacturing company, a few digital meetings, two study trips, possibly one or two in-person workshops, and attendance at the exhibition.

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, three Swedish and three 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

31 August 2026
Application deadline

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 Denmark.

Three participants from Denmark will be selected. Participants from Sweden will be selected through a separate open call organised by Form/Design Center, Malmø.

Application

CLOSED

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.

With the support of

Form/Design Center is operated by Svensk Form Syd, a not-for-profit association. Form/Design Center is supported by funding from the Ministry of Culture, the City of Malmö, Region Skåne and the Swedish Arts Council.