SEGD CHICAGO PRESENTSFIELD BUILDING, CHICAGO
An exhibition of the work that never made it into the world.
- ON VIEW
- October 27 to November 9
- HOURS
- 10 AM to 5 PM
- ADMISSION
- Free
- OPENING NIGHT
- Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 PM
EXHIBITION MANIFESTO
AN EXHIBITION OF FORGOTTEN WORK
Every designer knows that much of our work never makes it into the world. Our archives are filled with sketches, studies, prototypes, and concepts abandoned because of project constraints, shifting priorities, budgets, or a client who chose another direction. Sometimes they're simply the result of an afternoon spent exploring a new material or idea.
These works are not failures. They are lost ideas from our process, dense with experimentation, creativity, and unrealized potential.
DESIGN GRAVEYARD invites designers from across Chicagoland and beyond to resurrect one of these forgotten works, removed from its original constraints, recontextualized through a new medium, and give it new purpose.
WHEN
THE EXHIBITION FREE
OCTOBER 27 TO
NOVEMBER 9, 2026
OPENING NIGHT FREE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
- 5:30 PMGallery opens
- 6:00 PMWelcome and acknowledgements
- 6:15 PM OPTIONAL / TICKETED Lecture: Designing the Audience Experience Alan E. Muraoka, Emmy-nominated production designer (Little Miss Sunshine, Ghost World, New Amsterdam), on how the space a scene takes place in shapes what an audience sees, feels and understands. 6:15 to 7:15 PM. Presented by AIGA Chicago. RSVP separately through AIGA, online or on site before the talk. Lecture tickets via AIGA ↗
- 9:00 PMGallery closes
The exhibition and opening night are free. Only the lecture needs a ticket.
DIGITAL +
DIMENSIONAL
PRINT SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED. THE OPEN CALL CONTINUES FOR DIGITAL AND DIMENSIONAL WORK.
Thank you to everyone who sent print work. We're reviewing all of it and will be in touch by email.
- PRODUCE NO NEW WORK
- Video, animation, interactive, sculpture, models, prototypes and other 3D work. Each piece should present a single lost idea.
- All digital and dimensional work is bring-your-own. You supply the piece and any device it needs to run, like a screen, player, cables or mounts. No computers are available to borrow. Devices are kept secured for the run of the show.
- Space is limited and goes first come, first served. We can't guarantee every piece a spot. Reach out early so we can hold space and talk through what your piece needs.
- Reach out by October 24 at the latest. Email submissions@designgraveyard.org with a short description, an image or link, its dimensions or runtime, and what it needs to run.
- Submissions should respect confidentiality and remove or obscure references to clients, brands, or other identifying information when appropriate. Participants retain ownership of their submitted work. SEGD & Design Graveyard will use submissions only in connection with this exhibition and its promotion. See our Terms for full details.
FAQ
WHAT TYPE OF MEDIA SHOULD I SUBMIT TO THE EXHIBITION?
A sketch, study, prototype, concept, or other design idea that was abandoned, cut, rejected, left behind, or never realized.
ARE SUBMISSIONS STILL OPEN?
Print submissions are closed. Digital and dimensional work is open until October 24, first come, first served. The earlier you reach out, the easier it is to hold space.
I ALREADY SUBMITTED A PRINT. WHAT NOW?
Nothing for now. We're reviewing everything that came in and will be in touch by email.
WHAT COUNTS AS DIGITAL OR DIMENSIONAL?
Video, animation, interactive work, sculpture, models, prototypes and other 3D pieces. If it isn't a flat print, email us.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
The piece and any device it needs to run, like a screen, player, cables or mounts. No computers are available to borrow. Devices are kept secured for the run of the show. We'll work out power, placement and display with you.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN THAT EMAIL?
A short description of the piece, an image or link, its dimensions or runtime, and anything it needs to be shown, like power, a wall or a surface to sit on. Send it to submissions@designgraveyard.org.
IS THERE ROOM FOR EVERY PIECE?
Not guaranteed. Space is limited and goes first come, first served.
DO I NEED A TICKET FOR OPENING NIGHT?
No. Opening night and the exhibition are free. RSVP so we can plan for headcount. Only the AIGA lecture needs a ticket.
RECOGNITIONS
Design Graveyard is curated by Ryan Odom, AIA and Katie Osborne of SEGD Chicago. Thank you to all who have made Design Graveyard a reality.
MADE FROM PAPER. USED AGAIN.
Exhibits and trade show builds often stand for a few weeks, then go to a landfill. A show about discarded work shouldn't add to the pile. Every structure in Design Graveyard is made from paper board, and every one of them goes into storage for the next Design Graveyard.
- SWEDENMade
- ATLANTALanded
- MILWAUKEEPrinted
- FRANKLINCut
- CHICAGOBuilt
Re-board Technology donated every sheet in the room. Re-board is a rigid paper board invented in Sweden. Its core of upright paper fibers stands on its own at a fraction of the weight of wood, and it is 100% recyclable.
02 / PRINTING AND PRODUCTION
Amplify Graphics & Branding in Milwaukee prints the submissions and the board, and organized the build.
03 / FABRICATION
Zünd America cut the structures. A V-cut tool carves angled grooves partway through each sheet so it folds into clean corners, the way a crease works in origami.
04 / OPENING RECEPTION
elbē interactive sponsors the opening reception. elbē is a digital interactive partner for museums, trade shows and branded environments.
VOLUNTEER
Design Graveyard is looking for volunteers to help bring Chicago's forgotten ideas back to life with an exhibition of forgotten work called Design Graveyard.
From exhibition installation and event support to welcoming visitors and helping behind the scenes, volunteers will play an important role in creating an exhibition that celebrates the work that never made it into the world.
You'll meet designers from across Chicago, experience the exhibition from the inside, and help create a memorable event for the Chicago design community.