From Cosmos to Conclusion: Ikea’s Space10 Innovation Lab Ends Its Voyage

As the sun sets on August 31, 2023, Space10, the pioneering design laboratory, will bid farewell after nearly a decade of trailblazing exploration into the symbiotic relationship between design, technology, and the environment. Since its inception in November 2015, situated in the vibrant meatpacking district of Copenhagen, it has been a dynamic force in shaping creative solutions for the planet’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.

Spaces on Wheels – In collaboration with Foam Studio – Visual by Foam Studio. © Space10

In a heartfelt statement, Kaave Pour, co-founder and head of Space10, expressed pride in the lab’s journey and legacy. “Space10 was never meant to last and – after a decade working with Ikea – we have achieved what we initially set out to accomplish. We feel immensely proud to have influenced one of the biggest design companies in the world while making our ideas portable and shaping conversations in everything from technology, design, architecture, and food,” Pour said. He emphasized that Space10’s mission would continue flourishing, carried forth by the dedicated team, the extensive network of partners, and the quarter-million-strong community.

Space10 Innovative Journey

The design laboratory’s journey, marked by ingenuity and impact, has constantly evolved. Its emergence was a response to the critical need for innovative design to address the increasingly complex global challenges. Rooted in the belief that creativity could be harnessed for good, the lab embarked on a mission to unearth novel pathways at the convergence of creativity, science, and technology.

The Urban Village Project – In collaboration with Effekt Architects – Render by Effekt Architects – Visuals by Foam Studio. © Space10

Over its nearly ten-year lifespan, it achieved an astonishing recognition record, securing nominations for over 120 prestigious design awards. Fast Company, a prominent advocate of innovation, hailed the lab as one of the world’s foremost innovative design enterprises. Its works traversed the globe, gracing renowned institutions such as London’s Design Museum, the Biennale of Architecture in Shenzhen, UN-Habitat HQ in Nairobi, and The Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
Space10’s influence extended beyond its core team, encompassing a global community of diverse minds, all aligned in the pursuit of progressive change. The lab’s ethos of openness led to a collaborative network that shared ideas, concepts, and visions freely with the public.

Open Fabrication Democratising Custom-Made Design – In collaboration with Ransmeier Inc – Photo by Ransmeier Inc. © Space10

Reflecting on the profound impact, Jon Abrahamsson Ring, CEO of Inter Ikea Group, lauded the collaborative efforts, saying, “Space10 has challenged our mindset of thinking outside the box, they have been our eyes around the corner looking into the future, facilitating new partnerships and business ventures, helping us investigate how we can create a better everyday life for many people.”

Throughout its existence, Space10’s endeavors spanned a broad spectrum. In 2019, it unveiled “Future Food for Today,” a revolutionary cookbook delving into sustainable and environmentally-conscious food production and consumption methods, earning it the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award for innovation.

Future Food Today – Photo by Kasper Kristoffersen. © Space10

Future Food Today – Photo by Zinna Mac. © Space10

The year 2020 saw the launch of “Everyday Experiments,” a series of prototypes envisioning technology’s transformative role in reshaping domestic interactions. In 2021, “The Ideal City: Exploring Urban Futures” emerged as a publication that delved into the possibilities of enhancing city life. The book then metamorphosed into an interactive exhibition, captivating audiences worldwide. One of their groundbreaking achievements of 2023 was the development of a flat-pack, fully recyclable sofa that could fit inside an envelope. This epitomized the lab’s commitment to merging cutting-edge design with environmental responsibility.

Everyday Experiments – Extreme Measures – In collaboration with Field – Visual by Field. © Space10

The Ideal City – Published with gestalten – Photo by Anne-Sophie Rosenvinge. © Space10

Couch In An Envelope – In collaboration with Panter Tourron – Visual by Panter Tourron. © Space10

In homage to its decade of innovation, Space10 unveiled a new website, a digital gallery showcasing standout projects from 2015 to 2023. The platform also offers public access to the lab’s internal presentation templates, guidelines, team handbook, open-source projects, and exhibitions. As the organization gracefully concludes this chapter, it leaves an indelible imprint on the design landscape, exemplifying innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven creativity. The legacy of Space10 is not a mere closing of doors; it’s a passage into new dimensions of transformative design, where the legacy will inspire generations to come.