Tapio Wirkkala and his wife, Rut Bryk (1916–1999), were influential industrial designers and handcraft artists in launching the concept of modern Finnish design in the last century, which continues to enjoy international acclaim even today. The centenaries of their births were being celebrated through many projects, one of which was an international concept competition organized by Wirkkala-Bryk Foundation. The task of this competition aimed at creating an independent archive showcase within a limited space, bringing virtual reality and real exhibits together and sharing them with visitors. Their works should be endowed with new meaning in a new era, in which design is becoming more and more individual and popular. In other words, their works should not be only admired like a rigid icon, instead, they should be used as references for younger generations and encourage a mutual discussion between designers and the public.

The concept had a very simple and clear structure. The whole showcase is consisted of two parts – a basic area for exhibits and materials and an extension area for interactive communications. Like a treasure trove, the basic area was a compilation of works and archives of these two artists, in which the works and daily materials would be displayed by timeline. Exhibits of different sizes and materials, real or of virtual reality, all are integrated together, just like Rut Bryk’s ceramic objects. Almost 5000 exhibits and other archive materials shared with more professionals and audience through digitalization create a space of an archive. The extension area looks like a lost-and-found. Focusing the theme of ‘lost and found’, visitors can bring their own works or even their own objects from home and exhibit them together with the works from artists. With feedbacks from non-professional visitors, a dialogue between modern design and works from modern designers, as well a dialogue between design and everyday life will take place.