Design with Wood: Swiss Innovation Meets Sustainability in Japan

Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability

The exhibition offered a platform to explore the potential of wood as a resource for innovation:

Fabien Roy’s Common Curves blended Swiss and Japanese craftsmanship, using bentwood techniques from Japan’s Kurikyu to reimagine high-quality timber from Switzerland’s Joux Valley.
Amandine Gini and Victor Moynier’s FORMWORK showcased how construction wood, such as spruce and oak, could be repurposed, reducing the demand for virgin timber.
Ramona Hess redefined the value of small, cracked, or discolored wood scraps, challenging the industry to view them as assets rather than waste.
Salomon Elsler’s re: collection transformed pest-damaged hardwoods into functional art pieces, drawing attention to the ecological impact of climate change on forests.

Download the exhibition posters

Opening Event

"Design with Wood" opened on October 25, 2024, at the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka. The vernissage drew a full house of distinguished guests, partners, and design enthusiasts. Hosted in collaboration with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCIJ), the event showcased the innovative work of the five emerging talents, which captivated the audience with their creative approaches to sustainable furniture design, emphasizing the transformative potential of overlooked wood resources. It was also graced by Swiss Ambassador Roger Dubach, SCCIJ President Thomas Brodbeck, Vice President Dieter Sommerhalder, and Swiss Pavilion Commissioner General Manuel Salchli, who offered insights into the upcoming Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025.

Enabling Collaboration Between Switzerland and Japan

This exhibition, supported by Presence Switzerland, Pro Helvetia, and the Ikea Foundation Switzerland, celebrated innovative design and sparked conversations about sustainable resource management, circular economy practices, and the intersection of design and ecological consciousness.

“Design with Wood” was well-received by Japanese visitors and Swiss partners alike. It created opportunities for dialogue on sustainable design and resource management and demonstrated how creative innovation can support global sustainability goals while fostering meaningful cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, the success of “Design with Wood” has set the stage for future Swissnex Window exhibitions, which will showcase Switzerland’s expertise in innovation and sustainability in Japan.