The Copenhagen Dream

This 2024 marked the maturity of 3DaysofDesign as one of the most important design events in the worldwide’s agenda. If the festival initially served as a window to Nordic design for the world, it is now the world that wishes to come closer to Denmark’s capital to share, grow, and collaborate with Northern European design brands. It is time for this already grand event to look back and, if possible, dare to dream and, who knows if, take a further step.

Among the many and varied proposals that caught our interest during the recent edition, perhaps Fritz Hansen was one of the most spectacular. Under the name Islands of Wellbeing, the firm presented three proposals in three locations (Operaparken, Væksthuset, and Papirøen) that correspond to the latest developments together with the Cobe architecture studio. It was in Væksthuset where Fritz Hansen gathered media and professionals to attend talks, enjoy architecture integrated into the environment and, in the case of Openhouse, offer us a delightful dinner. Væksthuset is an oasis in the heart of Operaparken with a subtropical winter garden. An organically curved glass structure envelops attendees and the surroundings alike under a floating roof that cleverly hides the entrance to an underground parking system. “We have tried to transform these post-industrial sites in Copenhagen’s inner harbour into places for people where nature comes first,” explains Cobe founder, Dan Stubbergaard.

HAY captivated us with its bold, fun, and creative outlook, not only through its latest collaboration with ASICS but also with its enthusiastic welcome and tour of the firm’s facilities in central Copenhagen, where we were immersed in their novelties, such as the Taburete 8 Bar Stool designed by Marc Morro. “I like the idea of making something out of very little: a balance between efficiency and good comfort,” explains the Mallorcan designer based in Barcelona. The Colour Rack by Muller van Severen also caught our attention—how could it not?—thanks to a dance of coloured silhouettes whose uses go beyond function. Disciples of the same god, Lammhults presented a proposal not far removed, although perhaps echoing an earlier era. The coloured trolleys transported me to Huis Sonneveld, the villa in Rotterdam from the 1930s, or what is tantamount the same, the post-war modern design.

Marimekko‘s proposal was also colourful and creative, yet forward-looking. Their new Resonance bag series is made from a new plant-based material called Vireo, developed by Hemp Bio in the Kvadrat Innovation Lab. It has taken two years of work to create the first products out of this material, which is composed of over 70 percent hemp, harvested and carded in France, then dyed and treated in Italy with a partially bio-based polyurethane coating. To showcase the adaptability of Vireo during 3 days of design, Marimekko worked with the Bunn studio to design a special set of armchairs and sofas, making it clear that the Resonance bag series is just the beginning. “Resonance is the result of a shared desire with Kvadrat and Hemp Bio to find innovative materials that meet the highest design standards in terms of aesthetics and function. It is another step on our journey towards less emission- and water-intensive production,” summarised Rebekka Bay, Creative Director of Marimekko.

Note Design transported us to a warm, soft, and welcoming atmosphere. Their proposal for Audo House, Shine a Light, brings luminosity to the lightless corners of this legendary space, giving it a revitalised appearance. A refreshing approach to the space that enhances the brand’s signature collections in fabrics, colours, and materials which is reflected in furniture, lighting, and interior accessories, showcasing crisp and innovative designs.

The Stockholm-based studio also hosted Spain’s Vibia in their debut at 3DaysofDesign. Instantánea, the collection presented at Note Design’s offices in the Danish capital, plays precisely with the idea of capturing moments of life, portraying and reflecting them, giving them shape through light. The exhibition was a delicate invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty of the moment and see how light shapes our thoughts and emotions.

Guided precisely by light, the Mezzaluna lamp by Bruno Gecchelin, designed in 1975 and now revived in LED by the Parisians DCWÉditions, cast a spell on me with this retro and timeless design as intelligent as it is beautiful and functional.

&Tradition marked a turning point on the journey. Always surprising, always creative. Among the diverse universes interpreted at the brand’s Danish headquarters, Luca Nichetto’s exhibition stood out. Narrated by wall texts and giant wire hands interacting with his own designs, Luca presented a collection ranging from an inverted Lato table representing lollipops given by his grandparents to a series of Tabata lamps symbolising a cherished heirloom. A true work of art.

Under the curatorial roof of Ark Journal, Atelier de Troupe, Catellani & Smith, Desalto, More, and Agape danced to the sophisticated tune of the most prestigious Danish design and interior publication’s creative direction.

Fredericia, Freifrau and Carpe Diem Beds brought us back to tradition and classical aesthetics. A calm environment in the effervescent rush of such an inspiring event where we felt the heritage of these traditional but innovative companies with a rooted knowledge acquired by producing hand-craft products. The perfect mood to digest all the design achieved in just three days.