Reporting by Kristin Coleman

National exhibits present an interesting opportunity to examine the design culture of a country and 100% Norway at Dray Walk Gallery did not disappoint. For the 10th edition of the show, curators Henrietta Thompson and Benedicte Sunde presented a true cross-section of the Norwegian design scene with works from ten established designers and ten emerging talents as part of this year's theme, '10 × 10.' From the exhibition design (by Hunting & Narud) to the collection of products and furniture, the whole show demonstrated Norwegian designers' expert knowledge of material and craft, love of raw materials and nature-inspired forms.

Outside of the gallery, Hunting & Narud created a playful lounge inspired by the sun and Nordic light with patterned decking, angled panels and stackable poufs in a gradient of soft colors.

This three-legged seed-shaped prototype by Bergen Academy graduate Philipp von Hase immediately caught our eye. Originally designed for a seed center in Bergen, Spire is crafted from solid maple wood and three-dimensional walnut veneer with a recessed porcelain bowl that can be used for planting herbs or keeping fruit. It easily transforms into a functioning table with removable wooden surface plates.

Also by von Hase (who appears to have an affection for three-legged forms), the wooden Trialog chairs are surprisingly ergonomic and designed for reverse sitting with a backrest that doubles as an arm rest.

Ida Noemi assembling an Epaulette frame.

We loved the innovative simplicity of Epaulette by Ida Noemi and Caroline Olsson. Made of all natural materials, the sides of the wooden frame are held together by L-shaped corner profiles in copper.

Copper made a strong showing at the festival, like this industrial Cloche lamp by Lars Beller Fjetland [Ed. Note: who we first discovered during NYDW]. Beautifully balanced with just three interlocking parts, the design is strongly influenced by nature and elemental forms.