Copenhagen – design, architecture, shopping

Repeatedly acclaimed as one of the best places to live in the world, Copenhagen differs significantly from other European capitals. It surprises with unpretentiousness, warm atmosphere and an unfailing sense of style – expressed in design, architecture and street fashion. It is definitely worth going to the capital of Denmark to get artistically inspired or go on an exceptional shopping spree.

After years of splendour, Style Louis and baroque ornaments, it has become a symbol of good taste and modernity. The Scandinavian style, which we are of course talking about, has been recognizable all over the world for years. Its strength is not so much modern aesthetics as well-thought-out functionality and versatility. There is no room for randomness or mediocrity in Scandinavia, so common in mass production. They were especially rejected by Danish artists, considered by many the progenitors of the Scandinavian style. It was they who, in the post-war era, struggling with the difficult access to high-quality materials, responded to the social demand for durable, high-quality furniture and equipment that would survive many a move, while being used as decorations of interiors of various sizes. By focusing on simplicity, functionality and minimalism, they achieved international success that continues to this day.

Danish brands that you need to know

Today’s Danish creators, such as Louise Campbell and Cecilie Manz, still follow the ideas from the 1950s. Let’s take BoConcept, one of the oldest and most famous brands in Copenhagen, for example. Simplicity, craftsmanship, elegant functionality and high-quality materials are features inscribed in the DNA of this brand. Whereas, timeless aesthetics, utility and respect for traditional craftsmanship are the hallmarks of the Muuto brand, whose creators take into account the impact they have on the present and the future in the design process.

Among the younger, but equally widely recognized, Danish brands there are: Ferm Living – famous for its minimalist, multifunctional accessories with graphic patterns, and House Doctor, which offers items mainly made from natural materials: wood, ceramics, glass and ecological fabrics. It is also worth knowing lanterns, candles and decorations made by Bloomingsville, which, through simple, austere shapes, refer to the vintage climate, or slightly modernist designs of the Hay brand.

As presented above, the common denominator of Danish brands is respect for craft traditions, the choice of natural, solid materials and well-thought-out functionality. Therefore, it can be assumed that the interiors decorated in the Scandinavian style are not only beautiful, but also comfortable.

The Copenhagen architecture – from people to people

Many outstanding Danish designers from the 1950s dabble also with architecture. Multifunctionality was just as visible in their nature as it was in their designs. Arne Jacobsen is considered the most eminent artist of those times. The Bellavista housing estate or the town hall in Rødovre, designed by him in the 1950s, disturbingly resemble contemporary buildings, but surpasses them in terms of class and grandeur. In Copenhagen, you can admire the Radisson Blue Hotel Royal designed by him in every detail (from the facade to the tableware). There is no place for randomness here, as harmony, light and comfort reign in both rooms and common spaces.

As it was the case of Danish design, also in the architecture of this country, one can sense the great sensitivity of the creators to human needs. When you stroll through Copenhagen, you get the impression that people are at the centre of every project. This can be seen, for example, in the extensive Superkilen square in the Norrebro district, known for its multiculturalism. Its space has been designed to integrate residents of various origins while they actively spend time outdoors. An impressive form combined with convenience for residents is also a characteristic feature of 8Tallet – a residential building in the shape of an eight, or VM Houses and VM Mountain, probably the most photographed buildings in Copenhagen. Both have unusual shapes, but above all, they have been designed with the needs of residents in mind – hence the windows designed to ensure maximum intimacy, or compact apartments, the size of which can be changed according to the tenant’s requirements. Driven by anthropocentric ideas, Danish architects set trends in sustainable urban planning around the world.

Must do in Copenhagen

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Copenhagen is the Designmuseum Danmark, whose collection includes the undisputed icons of Danish and global industrial design. Unfortunately, due to the necessary renovation and reconstruction of the building, it remains closed until the beginning of 2022.

However, there are plenty of other great places to see in the Danish capital. As befits the world capital of design – in Copenhagen, even shops function like showrooms of fashion houses. You will certainly not regret visiting the Fredericia Furniture Showroom, the Pausian concept store or Normann Copenhagen. If you are looking for interior design inspiration or you want to get acquainted with the latest trends in design, you have to visit these places. Equally fruitful in this respect will be a visit to Menu Space, a place that was created to connect creative minds, providing them with an inspiring space for networking.

Those who dream of shopping in Copenhagen should visit the city especially during the period of winter sales, which usually start at the end of December and end at the beginning of February. Then you can find products of high-end brands, which are difficult to obtain in Poland, at attractive prices. The promotional offer of more common brands, such as Bloomingsville or BoConcept, is worth checking out online.

The phenomenon of Copenhagen is certainly worth exploring personally, as no descriptions or photos reflect the harmony and pleasant atmosphere prevailing in it, which make living there so comfortable.