Design delights: discover the summer's most captivating exhibitions
Step into the world of design excellence and innovation; from the mesmerizing Flow Festival in Helsinki to the enchanting Exhibit Columbus in Indiana, and the transformative Zürich Design Weeks, immerse yourself in a diverse range of design disciplines. Here are this summer’s design exhibitions you don’t want to miss.
As the summer season progresses, design enthusiasts from around the globe are eagerly anticipating the remarkable line-up of design exhibitions set to take place in various corners of the world. These exhibitions serve as platforms to celebrate creativity, push boundaries, and showcase the latest trends in the design industry. For those seeking inspiration and a glimpse into the future of design, here are five design exhibitions that should be at the top of your must-visit list. But keep in mind, as words can only do so much to describe the art and design installations exhibited at these events, we recommend experiencing them in person.Flow Festival – August 11-13Kicking off the summer festivities is the highly anticipated Flow Festival in the vibrant city of Helsinki, Finland. Renowned for its unique blend of music, art, and design, this multidisciplinary event attracts visitors from all walks of life. Beyond the mesmerizing musical performances and captivating art installations, the Flow Festival also showcases cutting-edge design concepts and contemporary creations.
But that’s not all. The festival's emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices aligns perfectly with the growing awareness of responsible design and its impact on the environment. Dutch artist and previous Polestar collaborator Thijs Bierseker’s latest work Gasp is a testament to this, and will be showcased during the festival. The installation comes to life in the enormous Tiilikello x Polestar art space, using real-time city air pollution data to visualize the presence of microparticles.Habitare – September 13-17We’re not quite done with Finland. We stay in Helsinki a tad bit longer to step into the realm of Finnish design brilliance at Habitare. From stunning furniture designs to sustainable solutions, this exhibition celebrates the unique perspective and expertise at Finland’s largest furniture, decoration and design event. Explore the latest trends in interior design, delve into the world of innovative materials, and witness the harmonious blend of form and function. As the old adage goes: When in Helsinki.
Pssst, be sure to catch the discussion on how sustainability will shape the future of design with our Head of Colour and Material, Maria Uggla, alongside prominent industry leaders as they dive into responsible design and the importance of being proactive in the fight towards a circular and sustainable future.
Exhibit Columbus – August 25-26Let’s take a brief Europe hiatus and redirect our gaze across the Atlantic. For those seeking a design exhibition that celebrates the intersection of architecture, art and community, Exhibit Columbus in Indiana, USA, is the place to be. The fourth edition of this event aims to revitalize the city's architectural legacy by commissioning 13 site-specific outdoor installations and interventions that engage with the local community and explore the city's rich history.
From the hauntingly beautiful sounds of Deborah Garcia’s ‘RECORDAR’, to Studio Zewde’s ‘Echoes of the Hill’, the exhibitions offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience design in a form deeply rooted in the community. If you’re still on the fence regarding this small Midwestern modernistic city, make sure to watch Columbus, starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson. Sit back and immerse yourself in the ethereal sounds of ambient post-rock duo Hammock. After 105 minutes, you'll find yourself searching for tickets to experience the allure of this captivating town first-hand.FIND – Design Fair Asia – September 21-23 We know what you’re thinking: “Late September surely can’t classify as summer?” But with a minimum average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius throughout September, we beg to differ. Besides, not mentioning Singapore (known as a global design hub) would be criminal.
FIND – Design Fair Asia is a testament to the city-state's commitment to fostering design. This annual event provides a platform for both established and emerging designers to showcase their talent and exchange ideas. Experience AlvinT founder Alvin Tjitrowirjo’s design furniture influenced by Indonesia's rich heritage and culture, or dive headfirst into the world of Karyn Lim’s, where luxury meets craftmanship in seamless designs. The exhibition's focus on design thinking and its application in various industries sets it apart, making it a must-visit for those interested in exploring the transformative power of design.
Zürich Design Weeks – August 31-September 19 As we round off this list, we return to Europe one last time. Get ready to dive into the pulsating world of design in the heart of Switzerland as Zürich Design Weeks take centre stage. From captivating exhibitions to engaging workshops and inspiring talks, this design extravaganza showcases the city's pulsating creative energy. And it goes without saying that we wanted to be a part of this program, which is why we decided to partner up with Zürich Design Weeks. During these weeks you will be able to experience more than just cars in our Zürich Space.
We want all visitors to see our Spaces as art galleries – but for cars. Instead of exhibiting art in the traditional sense, we showcase our vehicles in all their glorious detail, from glassed-in brakes to drawers full of colour samples. However, come Zürich Design Weeks, we will transform our Polestar Space into an art exhibition. By blurring the lines between automotive and art, we hope to offer a fresh perspective on the symbiotic relationship between these two principles.
