farming architects
Stockholm Furniture Fair 2024
[press release]
Jordens Arkitekter unveils visionary exhibition on the horizon of architectural innovation
In the exhibition Farming Architects at Stockholm Furniture Fair, local firm Jordens Arkitekter offers an immersive look into the future of construction, where sustainability integrates with ecology and agriculture. Visitors will engage with innovative architectural concepts on-site, fostering a dynamic space for hands-on learning, interaction and collaboration.
Jordens Arkitekter, a Swedish architecture firm, introduces their innovative exhibition Farming Architects at Stockholm Furniture Fair. In a unique move, the firm temporarily relocates its office to Hall X, creating a live backdrop for its exhibition. This setup reflects the firm’s innovative approach – blending architecture with ecological and agricultural concepts.
The exhibition showcases four projects of varying scales, including an expansive 400-home property development, which reimagines rural living beyond the conventional garden city model. The firm also presents a novel concept for senior living in rural areas, where residents engage directly with farming communities. Highlighting urban agriculture is the Rosendals Trädgård project, a garden at the very heart of Stockholm that attracts a million visitors per year. The smallest yet significant inclusion is Jordens Hus, a series of timber houses fully designed and built by the firm itself, exemplifying their comprehensive role in the architectural process.
Johnny Andersson, co-founder of Jordens Arkitekter, highlights the exhibition's unique presentation style: “Instead of showcasing finished works, we’re focusing on the creative process. Our display of sketches, models and sources of inspiration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the fluid and creative journey of each project. It’s about revealing the layers and thought processes that shape architectural innovation, not just the end result.”
At the core of Jordens Arkitekter’s ethos is collaboration. The team – which will be working from a 300-square-metre pavilion that houses the exhibition – is a diverse group comprising landscape architects, ecologists, biologists, interior designers and structural engineers. This interactive environment invites visitors to participate and contribute, making their input a part of the collective creative process.
Andersson further remarks on the necessity of sharing knowledge in today's world: “In an age marked by uncertainties and crises, clinging to ideas and knowledge in isolation has become outdated. New thoughts emerge that we must be ready to share.”
The exhibition also features a material bank, much like an updated library of sustainable building materials from 30 top suppliers in the field. Offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable architecture, it is designed as a place for exploration and learning, bridging current building practices with emerging sustainable solutions.
“The pavilion, constructed from hemp building blocks, is fertile ground for idea growth,” explains Andersson. “Here, architecture meets agriculture, echoing the origins of human settlements. As a firm, we aim to reignite that fundamental connection between the spaces we inhabit and the food we consume. By integrating these elements at Stockholm Furniture Fair, we’re demonstrating a living, breathing model of sustainable living.”
Showcased are also learnings from Osprey Farm Studio, a working farm just west of Stockholm. Created by Andersson and his wife Ina M Andersson, a ceramist, educator and designer, the farm operates as a testbed for innovative ideas and fostering community. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the expertise of Ekologigruppen, a consultancy firm known for its sustainable approach to ecology, urban planning and landscape architecture since 1988.
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Join us at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2024, at Stockholmsmässan, where design meets innovation in an intimate yet expansive setting.
For more information, visit www.stockholmfurniturefair.se
