Designated as UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2023, the Danish capital city also recently welcomed the 10th anniversary of 3daysofdesign – a festival that is justly gaining more global popularity with each year

A decade ago, 3daysofdesign started off as an intimate event, attracting passionate professionals and amateurs in the Scandinavian design world. But thanks to the energy and talent of its CEO, Signe Byrdal Terenziani, it has become an unmissable rendezvous, with its 2023 edition being the biggest yet. The latest 3daysofdesign took place from 7 to 9 June under the theme ‘Where Would We Be Without You?’. Its success lies in several aspects: Firstly, the curation brings together iconic brands such as Gubi, House of Finn Juhl, Kvadrat and Muuto, alongside young talents, resulting in approximately 300 names coming together; secondly, instead of trawling through a closed space with traditional booths, visitors walk (or bike) around the city to discover showrooms, installations and exhibitions. Lastly, Copenhagen is a city where aesthetics and functionality are part of the inhabitants’ daily life and spirit, with an unmatched awareness for sustainability and a true love for design innovation. Here are five highlights from the event that made the trip worthwhile.

House of Nordic Design

With its exhibition ‘NoDe’, House of Nordic Design brought up-and-coming Danish designers and artists to the forefront. The list included Kibun, Sia Hurtigkarl and St. Leo – all of whom approached the theme of nature in different ways. The pieces were showcased on a barge in the Copenhagen harbour. After the festival, these creations were displayed and available to be purchased through the eponymous online platform. “We believe that Danish interior design has a unique expression and a quality which should be celebrated and shared with the world,” says Natalia Sánchez, founder, interior designer and curator of House of Nordic Design.

Louis Poulsen and Home in Heven

Louis Poulsen revealed artistic and whimsical interpretations of the iconic Pale Rose Collection, inspired by heritage designs from Poul Henningsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen, two of the renowned Danish brand’s most prolific collaborators. Each piece is crafted by Breanna Box and Peter Dupont – founders of Home in Heven, best known for its recognisable details such as horns, swirls and tentacles – in collaboration with Elliot Walker of Blowfish Glass in Stourbridge, UK. “Henningsen’s approach to design is a big inspiration to us, as is his pure energy for life, taking what was old and making it his own,” say Box and Dupont.

Il Mercato by FRAMA

Highlighting the connection between nature and food culture, multidisciplinary brand FRAMA – known for its lifestyle objects and homewares, interior architecture and design solutions, furniture, lighting, scents and skincare – brought people together and fostered a sense of community with this exhibition that also addressed topics such as food supply and global food infrastructure. “The kitchen is a place of nurturing and care, where food is prepared with love and attention to detail,” says Niels Strøyer Christophersen, FRAMA’s founder. “Il Mercato embraces our passion for local produce and represents a sense of togetherness and connection.”

A new chapter for Audo Copenhagen

The two renowned Danish brands MENU and by Lassen have announced they are joining forces to become Audo Copenhagen. With minimalist shapes and a timeless aesthetic, their collections of furniture, lighting and accessories (including the Kubus series by architect Mogens Lassen and The Tired Man by Flemming Lassen) epitomise the best of Danish design. Taking place in the penthouse of Audo Copenhagen’s boutique-slash-hotel-slash-cafe-restaurant, the ‘Fence’ exhibition was presented during 3daysofdesign by rising stylist Colin King and his frequent collaborator, New York-based floral artist Alex Crowder of Field Studies Flora. The duo honoured nature through a sculpture comprised of a single element – the common reed, phragmites australis.

New Works

In collaboration with Lotta Agaton Interiors, New Works presented the show ‘A poetic Disclosure’, which was inspired by the balance and serenity found in Japan. Inviting viewers to slow down and see the beauty in the smallest details, the brand organised a tea ceremony conducted by IO, a small Copenhagen teahouse owned by Yukiko and Simon. The scenography of the showroom created contrasts between hidden and exposed, darkness and light, mystery and clarity. The new Shore seating series designed by Joel Fjällström and the Tana wall-hung storage series by Rikke Rützou Arnved, along with the Covent Residential sofa and new versions of the Bukowski chair with seats in French cane, were some of the pieces featured.

Images are courtesy of the brands and designers

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