Graphic Happiness is design project consisting of a publication, a traveling exhibition and educational programme on 100 years of Dutch graphic design. The exhibition travels through China from the end of 2012 till the end of 2013 and starts in Nanjing. The exhibition shows the work of over 60 designers and shows their love and passion for graphic design. Design is what makes these designers happy. It also bring the two countries China and the Netherlands together and have them exchange design knowledge and culture. 

The logo is therefore based on the Chinese symbol of 'Double Happiness' and the Dutch flag (red, white and blue). It symbolizes China and the Netherlands, coming together in design. The logo is printed onto three different straps, these straps hold together the furniture in the exhibition and form the binding of the publication. The logo is the literally and figuratively the binding factor in the whole design. 

All the furniture is designed as a flat pack construction made from wood and held together by the straps. No glue, screws or any other material are used. The publication is also made of loose pages and is not bound. The only thing that hold the publication together is the strap, no glue or any other material were used.

 

Part of the exhibition is the ball pit, this symbolizes the fact that the Netherlands is a country that lives below sea level. Due to the struggle with water, the Dutch had to be inventive for over centuries. Design was in their nature in order to survive. From this necessity comes the Dutch design tradition that everything can be designed and it is the base for the distinctive playful and clear Dutch design as we know it. On the blue balls are the portraits of famous Dutch designers, so you can literally dive into the Dutch design history.