If Denmark has a solid reputation as a “nation of design,” then Copenhagen is effectively its capital. The city is the site of the event 3daysofdesign, an annual gathering of lifestyle, design and furniture, lighting and interior design, offering experiences, opportunities for interaction and discovery of trends, products and ideas. From 16 to 18 September the city comes alive with a network of over 200 brands (from Denmark and abroad) and their showrooms, flanked and supported by galleries, exhibitions and design talks (this year on the theme of “Heart to Heart”).
Far from being indifferent to the global pandemic, the program focuses on the role of interior design, and how the spaces around us can influence our wellbeing.
“During the pandemic, external factors forced us to stay at home. Here, we found out how important it is to surround ourselves with furniture and colors we like. Never have we been painting and decorating as much as we have during this period. But we also found out that things must mean something to us,” says the director Signe Byrdal Terenziani, explaining the fil rouge running through the concept of this edition of 3daysofdesign, with a focus on the key words ‘presence’ and ‘contemplation.’ As well as proximity, reflection, creativity and empathy, as well as fine craftsmanship, of course. All masterfully interpreted by the designer Ilse Crawford, creator of the logo and the illustrations this year.
“We celebrate humane design and the objects that give us value,” the director concludes.
Here’s an overview of not-to-be-missed events (see the complete list here) from this three-day program, starting with the evening “A Japanese Flavour” organized by Boffi | DePadova to present the Time & Style edition collection, and the opening of the new headquarters of Norman Copenhagen. Menu also offers a tour of its headquarters, and at the creative space The Audo, a hybrid location that combines co-working areas with socializing, as well as an exclusive hotel-residence.
At D Studio (the first retail destination of Design Holding and its brands, opened in June) various initiatives welcome designers and architects on the international scene for in-depth looks at the themes “Light and Health in Space,” “Framing Outdoor Spaces” and “The New Classics.” Vitra takes the opportunity to officially open the doors of its new showroom in the city, created by Erwan Bouroullec.
In its store, Fritz Hansen presents the suspension lamp Clam, a Pearl of Light by the young Danish duo Ahm&Lund, together with new versions of the Oxford chair, originally designed by Arne Jacobsen for the faculty room at St. Catherine College of Oxford, and the Let Chair by Sebastian Herkner.
A tribute to Italy and is design takes place at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador at 2 Fredericiagade, welcoming a selection of companies – Baxter, Foscarini, Lapalma, Panaria Group, Technogym – to represent Made in Italy, in a special installation inside the dramatic ballroom.
For those who want to take part in the three days in Copenhagen, the experience of the event can be digital as well, thanks to the Virtual Room, providing podcasts and videos, live streaming from the showrooms and the many exhibitions.
