DesignMarch 2026: Iceland's eclectic design scene in 10 highlights
From May 6 to 10, 2026, Reykjavik hosted the 18th iteration of DesignMarch, showcasing more than 100 exhibitions across architecture, design, and fashion. Helga Ólafsdóttir, the event's director, emphasized the vibrancy of Iceland's creative sector. Among the standout displays were: 'Potential', featuring product design from the Iceland University of the Arts; Logi Pedro Stefásson's solo exhibit 'Heimur'; 'Inherited Matter – A Finite Resource', curated by relatives of Ólafur Andrés Guðmundsson; Arnhildur Pálmadóttir's Frakkastígur housing project; 'Hæ/Hi: Vol V | Night Night' by Jón Helgi Hólmgeirsson; 'Thrown into design' from Húsasmiðjan; the children's design showcase '!Hannannah!'; 'Órar' furniture by Orar; 'Core Collection' by Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir; and Elliðaárstöð by Terta, which was featured at DesignTalks on May 6.
Key facts
- DesignMarch 2026 was held in Reykjavik from 6 to 10 May.
- The 18th edition featured over 100 exhibitions across architecture, design, and fashion.
- Director Helga Ólafsdóttir highlighted the international impact of Iceland's design scene.
- Potential exhibition included a lampshade made from discarded skate skin by Kári Jóhannsson.
- Erla Lind Guðmundsdóttir presented Værð, a springless mattress made from Icelandic sheep's wool.
- Logi Pedro Stefásson held his first solo exhibition Heimur, exploring Total Design.
- Inherited Matter – A Finite Resource was curated by relatives of Ólafur Andrés Guðmundsson.
- Frakkastígur housing block by Arnhildur Pálmadóttir uses reclaimed road barriers as cladding.
- Hæ/Hi: Vol V | Night Night was a collaboration between Icelandic and Seattle design studios.
- Elliðaárstöð is an adaptive reuse power plant by Terta, presented at DesignTalks on 6 May.
Entities
Artists
- Helga Ólafsdóttir
- Kári Jóhannsson
- Erla Lind Guðmundsdóttir
- Logi Pedro Stefásson
- Ólafur Andrés Guðmundsson
- Ólafur Ólafsson
- Libia Castro
- Hrefna Sigurðardóttir
- Arnhildur Pálmadóttir
- Jón Helgi Hólmgeirsson
- Thorunn Arnadottir
- Alice Sowa
- Sigríður Sunna Reynisdóttir
- Elsa Jónsdóttir
- Júlíanna Ósk Hafberg
- Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir
- Magnea Guðmundsdóttir
Institutions
- DesignMarch
- Iceland University of the Arts
- Flétta
- S.ap Arkitekter
- Hage Studio
- Húsasmiðjan
- Museum of Design and Applied Art
- ÞYKJÓ
- Orar
- Mikado
- Terta
- Dezeen
Locations
- Reykjavik
- Iceland
- Seattle
Sources
- Dezeen —