In this conversation, we explore why craftsmanship remains essential to Norwegian design – and how close engagement with materials and production processes shapes quality, longevity, and value.

Throughout Norwegian design history, quality has emerged through direct contact with materials – in a continuous dialogue between idea and execution. Today, design work often takes place at a distance from production. The pace is faster, life cycles are shorter, and the connection to materiality is weaker.

When design and production meet, a dialogue arises between precision and intuition, between experience and sensibility. It is in this interplay that quality is anchored – and where objects gain durability.

The panel consists of:

Jenny Skavlan: Craft enthusiast and a prominent voice for redesign and reuse. Works as a creative director and is co‑founder of Fæbrik. Operates at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and new consumption patterns.

Olav Rune Haugen: Represents craft‑based industry carried forward across generations. Second generation at Innvik AS and Country Manager Norway at Kvadrat. Works with product development, quality, and long‑term material expertise.

Sverre Uhnger: Furniture and product designer with a background in craftsmanship. Co‑founder of Klubben, Jenkins & Uhnger, and Omhu. Has designed for Mitab, Brdr. Krüger, and Magnor Glassverk, among others.

The conversation is moderated by Guro Røberg.

Venue: Teaterbaren Time: Doors open at 16:3 Conversation starts at 17:00 (approx. 60 minutes)

The new Teaterbaren at the National Theatre is itself the result of a close collaboration between design, craftsmanship, materials, and industry. This is precisely why we are especially pleased to invite you to this salon.

Please note: seating is limited.

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