Visit Copenhagen//A Guide to Danish Design

I recently took a trip to Copenhagen; a city known for its exceptional design and art scene. From museums to galleries, there is no shortage of places to visit for those interested in seeing some of the best designs and art that the city has to offer. A long-time lover of Danish design and having worked with brands such as Fritz Hansen on projects here in the UAE I felt it was time to make a trip and see it all for myself. 

The roots of Danish furniture design can be traced back to the early 20th century. During this time, designers were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the principles of functionalism. One of the key figures in Danish furniture design was Kaare Klint, who is often referred to as the father of modern Danish furniture design. Klint's designs were characterized by a focus on functionality, simplicity, and high-quality materials. 

In the 1950s and 1960s, Danish furniture design reached its peak. Designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Børge Mogensen created iconic designs that are still popular today. Their work was characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials such as wood and leather. These designers helped to establish Denmark as a leader in modern furniture design and that foundation can still be seen today in more 'modern works.

Having shopped until I dropped, and walked the city till my feet bled (not even an exaggeration) two modern brands that I own, shop and love which really stood out were HAY Design and Normann Copenhagen. 

HAY Design is a Danish furniture and home accessories brand founded in 2002. The brand's philosophy is to create a modern, functional, and accessible design that can be enjoyed by everyone. HAY works with a variety of designers from around the world to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both practical and beautiful. I have written about them before, with their reissue of the Crate Collection, and needed to take the time to see the showroom and office space for myself. 

One of HAY's most popular designs is the About A Chair (AAC) series, designed by Hee Welling. The AAC series is a collection of chairs that are both comfortable and versatile, with a simple and elegant design that blends seamlessly into any space. The AAC series includes a variety of chairs, including dining chairs, lounge chairs, and office chairs, all of which are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

I was given the opportunity to view the outdoor exhibition space and got to see the popular Palissade outdoor furniture collection, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The Palissade collection includes chairs, benches, and tables that are perfect for outdoor spaces, with a sleek and minimalist design that is both practical and stylish. The collection is made from powder-coated steel, making it durable and weather-resistant and can be purchased from The Bowery Company here in the UAE.

I may have bought a few things including the PC portable lamp and the amazing giant HAY canvas bag that now is used almost daily. 

Normann Copenhagen is another popular Danish furniture and home accessories brand. The brand was founded in 1999 with the aim of creating original and innovative designs that challenge conventional thinking. Normann Copenhagen works with a variety of designers to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

One of Normann Copenhagen's most popular designs is the Form series, designed by Simon Legald. The Form series includes a range of chairs, bar stools, and lounge chairs that are both comfortable and stylish, with a simple and elegant design that is perfect for modern living spaces. The Form series is available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to customize your furniture to suit your style.

I have a range of pieces from Normann Copenhagen including the Shorebirds and Little Birds which are the cutest additions to any shelf (bought from Nordic Nest). I bought some of the terracotta collection while there and had my eye on the amazing furniture that they were clearing from the space to make way for Design Week in June, alas my suitcase was too small and my pockets were not deep enough to justify to my other half! 

Since I couldn't bring furniture home with me I needed to make a 'must-see' trip to Kay Bojesen; a Danish designer known for his playful and functional designs, particularly his wooden toys and homeware. Born in 1886 in Copenhagen, Bojesen trained as a silversmith before founding his own workshop in the 1920s, where he began to experiment with wood as a material.

Bojesen's most famous creations are his wooden animals, which he designed to be both toys and decorative objects.  Some of Bojesen's most iconic designs include the wooden monkey, which was first produced in 1951, and the wooden bear, which was designed in 1952. I have my eye on the 70th-anniversary edition monkey...may be saving up for the giant one for a while!

Bojesen's work has become iconic an example of Danish design, known for its timeless appeal and high-quality craftsmanship. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and comes with the Danish Royal seal of approval.

I didn't manage to go everywhere I wanted, a few places were left undiscovered but that just means there is more to see on my next visit, hopefully not in the too-distant future.  

 

New Year// New Home Finds

 

After the decorations are down, the candy has all been eaten and normal life has resumed you may notice that it looks a little 'bare' in your home and it may be the time to have a little refresh.  Starting the year off right sometimes requires new additions and a little update with my top picks to spring into 2023!

Mon for HKLiving: Sedia Moka @ Urban Nest link to buy

Hem Zig Zag High Shelf - Oak, by Studio DeFORM @ The Bowery Company link to buy

Hermano Book Case Danube Home link to buy

Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp &Tradition @ Designitch  link to buy

Zara Home link to buy

H&M Home link to buy

Athath Fellowship Furniture Making for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at MAKE

 ©Fritz Hansen

MAKE launches the second year of a professional programme for aspiring designers 

Due to the success of the first programme in 2021-2022, MAKE in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah launches its second intake which is due to commence 26 August 2022. MAKE invites all those with an ambition to become a furniture designer to take part in this unique professional programme, taking place at the MAKE workshop based in Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi this year. Running from September 2022 – December 2022 the Athath Fellowship is a professional 16-week course aimed at training those that already have a keen interest in furniture design but are looking to expand their expertise and progress their skillset into launching a business model. 

 

The course will be led by Ammar Kalo: Furniture Designer, Architect, Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah and winner of the silver award at the 2015 Milan Design Week. Kalo will take the Fellows through the history of furniture design, production, and prototyping and ultimately a presentation of their final piece. Guest lecturers and speakers will contribute including those with critically acclaimed Design House Fritz Hansen in Denmark. All the practical skill training will be delivered in the studio with the MAKE team. 

“This programme is focused on developing design and fabrications skills while also looking at the business side of things and how to effectively launch a design start-up: which is a gap in the current market.” Ammar Kalo

 

The 16-week course will be broken down into 3 phases and offers those that participate the chance to develop a concept, create a prototype, explore the areas of production and develop a final business model to launch a new career. This is an intensive and hands-on programme with the majority of the course requiring full in-person attendance at MAKE with a percentage of the theoretical modules being delivered online. 

 

Key outcomes:

·       Developing, designing, and fabricating one key piece of furniture with the goal of it being produced in multiples. 

·       Training in material sourcing and learning new technical skills including digital and manual. 

·       Business and entrepreneurial skills on how to launch and grow a brand and bring the product to market. 

·       Becoming a well-rounded designer and entrepreneur with the skill set to move on from the course and start a business in the local area and the confidence in your brand creation and how to pitch it to clients. 

 

Applications are now open, deadline 22 July 2022 midnight GST

The programme starts 26 August 2022 and concludes 17 December 2022 with a showcase planned for January 2023.

Programme total cost is AED 9,950

For further information visit the website: www.athathfellowship.ae

You will require a portfolio of creative works to apply. The programme is taught in English. 

On a budget or ready to splurge...interiors to lust after.

There is always a trend of high-end designer pieces that are then re-created for the mass market. From chairs to lamps you will see the designer influence trickle down to mainstream shops with a price point that won't break the bank. 

I have collated 5 top picks that are splurge-worthy versus their highstreet counterparts: which do you pick? Well, that's up to you...and your bank balance. 

West Elm v's &Tradition

West Elm has created the Juniper Chair made from a solid acacia wood frame and legs with grey upholstery which has a mid-century feel, much the same at the &Tradition Fly SC1 lounge chair. The Fly chair has a whole range of sofas, armchairs and coffee tables made from solid oiled oak and in a range of fabric choices and designed by SPACE Copenhagen. Which would you chose?

West Elm chair AED 3150

&Tradition Chair starting at AED 8389 from Designitch

Zara Home v's Le Klint

A retractable wall lamp is ideal for reading corners and flexible workspaces. Zara Home has created this retro design with pleated lamp shade for a fraction of the cost of the designer piece by Le Klint. If you are looking for that highend aesthetic but don't have the budget then its a great addition to your home. If you want a style classic, a piece to add to your collection, then the Le Klint SAX 223 lamp is a must have design created in 1952. 

Zara Home lamp £89.99 

Le Klint lamp $770 from The Finnish Design Shop

Pan Emirates V's Bolia.com

A low level modular sofa with exposed seams are often featured in interior editorials, and with sofas being the most expensive item in your home it is easy to get carried away with a high price point. A great budget friendly version is the Hurricane Sectional Sofa from Pan Emirates in grey. If you have the budget to go for designer then the Bolia.com Cosima Sofa in cream has multiple configurations to suit any sized living space. 

Pan Emirates Sofa AED 3995

Bolia.com AED 19980 available from The Bowery Company 

H&M Home V's Hay Design

H&M Home often follow designer trends much like their fashion sector. You cannot get closer to the designer aesthetic than their Metal Lounge Chair in black which is ideal for interior or exterior use. The similarities to the Hay Hee Lounge Chair are evident with the graphic liner design and low frame. All that differs with these two from first glance is the price point. 

H&M Home chair AED 699

HAY Design Chair AED 1450 from The Bowery Company 

JYSK V's Jonathan Adler

One of the biggest bargains I have seen is the JYSK Faces Plant Pot which looks great and is influenced by the Jonathan Adler Muse collection. Designed as a plant pot, but could as easily be used as a candle holder or on your desk to hold pens.  The Muse collection by Jonathan Adler has a large range of decoartive pieces all with the icon multiple faces. 

JYSK pot AED 20

Jonathan Adler AED dependant on item selection and available from Amara




All images © to the designers named. Prices correct at time of publish

Final Showcase from the Athath Fellowship at MiZa HQ

The Athath Fellowship: Furniture Making for Aspiring Entrepreneurs programme in partnership with MAKE and the American University of Sharjah is having a programme end showcase this March at MiZa HQ, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. 

The Athath Fellowship is a professional 15-week course aimed at training those that already have a keen interest in furniture design but were looking to expand their expertise and to progress their skillset into launching a business model. The course launched in October 2021 with 10 Fellows and led by Ammar Kalo: Furniture Designer, Architect, Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah and winner of the silver award at the 2015 Milan Design Week.

 

With a mixture of practical fabrication time in the Makerspace studios in Al Zeina Abu Dhabi, field trips to local production sites, lectures with critically acclaimed designers and studio sessions with Ammar Kalo, the fellows are well on their way to a new career path in furniture making. 

 

This is an intensive and hands-on programme with the majority of the course requiring full in-person attendance at Makerspace Al Zeina. Makerspace has a range of tools, machinery and technology that allowed the Fellows to gain invaluable experience in professional-grade workshop equipment with the instruction and guidance from the staff. 

 

Online lectures were provided by a variety of industry professionals including Christian Andresen from Fritz Hansen, Nada Debs, Design by ROAR, Jakob Vermehren from JYSK and Farah Nasri from Irthi Council. 

 

Athath Fellowship was created to act as a creative and practical bridge to the furniture making world. The focus on providing business and entrepreneurial skills for the creative industries within the UAE was at the forefront of the Athath Fellowship’s mission. Cultivating and growing the maker community and offering Fellows the chance to develop a co-op and community they can work with, learn from, and provide support to one another. Each of the 10 Fellows has developed, designed, and created a final piece to be shown along with sketches, maquettes, and renderings. From this showcase, they will be able to take all the practical and business knowledge into launching their brand or developing their art form further. 

 “The fellowship programme is a stepping stone for young and creative individuals, like myself, who desire initial guidance and knowledge to tap into the design business community, especially within the UAE.”

Rawan Alaydaroos: Athath Fellow 2021-2022

 

The final showcase is open to the public on 6th and 7th March 2022 at MiZa HQ, Mina Zayed,  Abu Dhabi 9am-9pm and requires a 96hr PCR test.

 

You can register interest in the next Athath Fellowship programme by completing the online form via the website. For further information visit the website: www.athathfellowship.ae

 

About MiZa:

MiZa is an emerging neighbourhood tucked in the heart of Mina Zayed warehouses. An urban regeneration project that aims to curate entrepreneurial, innovative and creative output by acting as a starting point for the people of Abu Dhabi in establishing new concepts, ideas and businesses. Its inclusive and non-disciplinary approach encourages cross-pollination between businesses with an intentional juxtaposition between varying industries which, will shape the future of Mina Zayed and Abu Dhabi collectively.