Next to the classical repertoire consisting of presentation of new products by furniture producing companies – this year there are 158 participants from 17 countries – the 26th International Furniture Fair surprised the visitors by a number of novelties, with the purpose of drawing attention to creative strength of the young Slovenian design.

"The novelties are connected with the happening within the furniture industry. We don’t have large furniture industry any more, perhaps one or two large companies still exist, but new, young, propulsive companies are emerging. Therefore we had to adapt the fair to them, and especially to young visitors who are consumers of their products. That prompted us to a number of novelties, especially with the intention of getting closer to younger audience," explained Špela Terpin, director of marketing at Gospodarsko razstavišče. Thus young, promising Slovenian architects were given a chance – they will offer free half-hour counselling to visitors. Free counselling regarding energy consumption in buildings and households is available this year as well.

Special guests of the Ambient Ljubljana Furniture Fair are Brands of Friends trademarks. Among products of more than 30 Slovenian design trademarks the design studio Desnahemisfera can be found as well, and the Wood Stock group. Until the end of the week the sale-exhibition art market ARTish will be displayed, with home accessories, exhibition of Italian and Polish design Kiosk K 67, and sales exhibition Fotelj REX by designer Nik Kralj.

This year Gospodarsko razstavišče saved a very special place for young, not yet established Slovenian designers, exhibited at the already sixth Design Exchange Top ideje. There you can see different approaches towards design of products which however keep their functionality – everything from chairs, tables, lights to a baby cradle which grows with the baby, or a modular kitchen system, and home accessories.

Katja Štok, Translated by G. K.