The exhibition 'Shifting Objects – Shifting Values,' held in Copenhagen in June 2025, represented a collaborative effort between Studio Jonathan Radetz and WDC 2026. The event brought together designers and craftspeople from Germany and Denmark.
The curatorial approach focused on fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships, with four journalists — Susanne Holte, Johanna Nyborg, May-Britt Frank-Grosse, and Markus Hieke — proposing designers from which eight were selected. These designers were Studio œ, Studio Sarmīte, Marie Luise Stein, Haus Otto, Tanja Kirst, Anker Bak, Form22, and Ræverk. The participants specialized in product design and architecture. They worked alongside skilled artisans nominated by the Frankfurt Chamber of Crafts, including metalworkers, stonemasons, tailors, and carpenters.
All in all, the 'Shifting Objects – Shifting Values' exhibition by Studio Jonathan Radetz and WDC 2026 served as a meeting point for traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Image Credit: Ingmar Kurth
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Cross-disciplinary Collaborations
- Innovative alliances between designers and craftsmen are fostering rich, multi-faceted design solutions that transcend traditional industry boundaries.
- Integration of Traditional Skills
- The blending of artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary design is breathing new life into age-old techniques and materials.
- Curated Design Networks
- Curatorial efforts that strategically pair journalists with designers and artisans are leading to curated design showcases that offer fresh insights and innovative outcomes.
Sectors Adopting This
- Product Design
- The collaboration between diverse design disciplines is pioneering novel approaches in the development of unique, culturally enriched products.
- Architectural Design
- Cross-disciplinary exhibitions are pushing the boundaries of architectural design, integrating unique artisanal elements into modern structures.
- Craftsmanship and Artisanship
- The industry of traditional crafts is experiencing a resurgence as it increasingly intersects with modern design innovation, creating new market niches.
