Design around the world

Amaze your friends with facts and figures about design around the world.

Our journey begins in Europe. So far we've explored Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and — of course — the UK.

We will continue to add to this list of countries over time.

Polypropylene stacking chair (Mk II) designed by Robin Day

Britain

Since 1944 the UK design industry has had a champion that promotes the improvement of design in the products, services and business of Britain.

Chaise Longue designed by Le Corbusier (www.inter-design.org)

France

After decades of uncoordinated activity punctuated by moments of brilliance the French design industry has spent the last two decades putting its house in order.

Interior of Radisson SAS Royal Hotel designed by Arne Jacobsen

Denmark

Jacobsen’s 3107, Swan and Egg chairs, as well as his Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, came out of Denmark’s golden age of design in the mid-20th century.

Sweden

Swedish design needs almost no introduction, but there is far more to this country’s design output than Ikea.

Cobi, mascot of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, designed by Javier Mariscal

Spain

Following the turbulence of the 20th Century, the design industry in Spain has taken steps to capitalise on the creative boom of the 1980s.

Belgium

In 1958 the World Fair was held in Brussels, sparking post-war interest in design. Today, fashion is still a big deal in Belgium, but so is furniture.

Norway

Some countries like to reminisce about the golden era of mid-20th Century Scandinavian design. Others, like Norway, prefer to do things a little differently.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has long been a fertile breeding ground for design. The 20th Century was punctuated with Dutch design classics.

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