October 7, 2011
Danish Design: Sleek Lines for Today's Simplified Life
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.
COPENHAGEN - Danish design is revered around the world for not only its sleek lines and simplicity but also for its functionality. The vision that inspired world-famous, classic Danish design of the 1950s and 1960s is thriving in Denmark today, with designs taking a whole new level by helping to solve problems in the workforce and making design an integral part of everyday life.
From design strategies that improved the economic state of a prison in Denmark to the design of the famous Nap chair by Kasper Salto addressing three key sitting positions for users to sit comfortably, Denmark is a hot spot and a great place to visit for anyone interested in modern design, architecture and the context of each design through an exciting lineup of design and architecture exhibitions this year.� �
In Copenhagen, you'll find Danish design all around you: in world-class museums and exhibition centers and in trendy shops, cutting-edge hotels, award-winning restaurants, as well as welcoming public spaces.
If you're there or planning a trip and don't know where to start, the Danish Design Center is a must visit to catch-up on current Danish designers and design trends.� Throughout the year, the Danish Design Center has the following exhibitions to check out:
"Challenge Society" (through Feb. 19, 2012): Highlights win-win design strategies for the welfare state; including one such case in one of the state prisons in Nyborg where violence and threats against the staff was resulting in a high number of days being taken off by staff.
The design agency hired, interviewed all parties involved (staff and inmates) and found that the solutions were simple; improved physical surroundings and joint activities such as sports and cooking, were initiated.� Soon after, violence and threats disappeared, making the prison atmosphere much more positive. As a result, the prison can make huge savings on the public system due to fewer days off.� http://en.ddc.dk
� "Denmark by Design" (through May 11, 2013):. The exhibition shows the development in Danish design from 1945-2010 and answers the questions: what is Danish Design and how has it become an integrated part of our everyday lives? Some highlights include the Coloplast A/S with Conveen � Contour, a urine bag for persons with incontinence; ReSound Alera, the newest and most advance digital hearing aid; and the Nap chair, designed for users to sit well in as many positions as possible. �http://en.ddc.dk �
Some other places to relish over Danish design in or near Copenhagen, include:
Ordrupgaard Museum: Just outside Copenhagen in Charlottenlund, you'll find the famous architect and designer Finn Juhl's home preserved just as he left it and open to the public. Finn Juhl would have turned 100 on Jan. 30, 2012 and is famous for furniture designs the Chieftain and Pelican chair as well as the interior design of the U.N. Trusteeship Council Chamber in New York City.�
� Designmuseum Danmark: �The museum currently has a new exhibition called Danish Design - I Like It!" through Dec. 30, 2011. British designer Jasper Morrison has curated a historical exhibition of unique and inspiring Danish design products. The museum also has plans to mark Finn Juhl's centennial. http://designmuseum.dk/en
Some places to relish over Danish architecture include:
� Danish Architecture Centre: The center is currently exhibiting "What Makes a Livable City" through October 23, 2011. The exhibition examines the huge changes in Copenhagen during the past ten years-from the urban development program at �restad and its new cultural landmarks including Bella Sky Comwell
If you're looking to bring home a piece of Danish design, the Ordrupgaard shop is a great place to buy Finn Juhl-designed items such as the Circle Bowl and the Turning Tray (www.ordrupgaard.dk
For more about where to view and buy Danish design in Copenhagen, go to http://visitcopenhagen.com/see-and-do/danish-design.
For more about great places to experience Danish architecture, go to: http://visitcopenhagen.com/see-and-do/architecture
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
