IKEA and VINÇON: an exhibition celebrating Democratic Design opens at Disseny Hub Barcelona

The exhibition 100 IKEA objects we would have liked to have had in VINÇON opened this week at Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHUB) and will be running until 23 February 2025. Curated by the architect and designer Juli Capella, the exhibition pays tribute to the emblematic Barcelona shop VINÇON and is based on an original idea by Fernando Amat, who has selected 100 IKEA products that he would have liked to incorporate into his shop.

The selection of products was made after a trip by Fernando Amat to the IKEA Museum in Älmhult (Sweden) as well as several visits to IKEA shops, with the aim of reflecting the evolution of design and its ability to improve the quality of life in the home. The criteria were aesthetics, functionality, price and instinct.

Beyond the exhibition of objects, this exhibition reflects on two different perspectives on the democratisation of design through a play of mirrors between two great figures and their respective brands: Fernando Amat, founder of VINÇON, and Ingvar Kamprad, creator of IKEA. Two key points of reference in the world of design in recent decades that have similarities, although they are clearly different in terms of scale.

According to Johan Ejdemo, IKEA Global Design Manager, “we are delighted to be part of this exhibition organized by DHUB, because it is a recognition of something that is of great value to us: our Democratic Design. It is at the heart of our vision ‘to deliver a better everyday life for the majority of people’ and that is why we manage to design and develop products and solutions that generate trust, positive emotion and are affordable. But Democratic Design not only tells us about the principles of product design, it also provides us with a common language that everyone involved in the process uses to share a common approach. It is very interesting to engage in this design debate with a leading brand in Barcelona like VINÇON that was also looking for the well-being of people in their homes in their own context”.

The comparative analysis goes in depth into 14 items ranging from history and founders to figures or geography, including naming, logo, communication, advertising, bags, democratization of design, promotion of culture or the architecture of the shops, highlighting differences such as territorial scope, turnover or type of management. But it also brings to light some common characteristics in the profile of their promoters, in the importance that the two brands have given to aspects such as communication, naming, sense of humor or the promotion of culture, or in the shared commitment to good design and its democratization.

Belén Frau, Global Communication Manager of Ingka Group and former CEO of IKEA Ibérica highlights, “I’m excited that IKEA Spain is putting our unique approach – Democratic Design for the many – on display in Barcelona. This exhibition showcases how IKEA’s Democratic Design philosophy makes qualitative, sustainable design accessible to all. In an uncertain world, we are committed and trusted to continue delivering design that enhances everyday life through affordability and sustainable solutions.”

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations on 31 markets, including IKEA Spain, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com.