3 Days of Design 2024
From 11-14th June 2024, we visited 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen. We’ve returned feeling inspired by the atmosphere at this unmissable Design destination – here are our 2024 best bits:
We kicked things off by attending the launch event for Sketches of Seating, a new book authored by Daniel Schofield and Rhys Kearns, featuring sketches by designers including Philippe Malouin, Jasper Morrison and Barber Osgerby. Hosted at wine bar Andra, with lots of familiar faces spilling out onto the street, it was the perfect way to start the week.
To celebrate the launch of Faye Toogood’s new Peace chair, with its sophisticated, glyph-like silhouette, Vaarni hosted a breakfast talk with the designer. Together, they discussed Vaarni’s mono-material philosophy, pine plywood revival, and the making process behind their bold seating. Vaarni continues to shake things up, and we think they’re one to follow.
Fredericia launched an armchair version of the Plan chair & barstool by Barber Osgerby, which maintains the simplicity of the brand, without sacrificing comfort.
Fredericia also partnered with Santa & Cole, displaying their lighting around the showroom as well as commissioning a series of artworks by Klas Ernflo. Known for his soft shapes, Ernflo’s works added to the serenity of Fredericia’s showroom, with a touch of playfulness.
In celebration of Robin Day, a prominent figure of British furniture design in the 20th century, &tradition presented an exciting collection of classic re-issues as Robin joins their portfolio. We’re pleased to see the Daystak collection back in production, which demonstrates the beauty of simplicity and timeless, functional design. We also loved the new Archivo shelves by Jaime Hayon which have a more modern aesthetic.
VERPAN unveiled its first permanent showroom in central Copenhagen; the playful space embodies Verner Panton’s social nature, complete with suspended seating, his signature undulating sofas and rich colours.
HAY released a lot of great new products, most notably the iconic X-Line chair originally designed in 1977 by architect Niels Jørgen Haugesen, and John Tree’s new Cupola lamp. An added bonus was their collaboration with Locale 21 who took over the entire 4th floor, transforming Hay House into a pop-up restaurant serving fresh food, delicious wine and a true taste of the Copenhagen vibe.
Fritz Hansen’s Islands of Wellbeing exhibition made the most of Copenhagen’s new harbourside destinations, nestling their outdoor furniture collection within the breathtaking greenery and equally beautiful architecture of The Opera Park. Reflecting on the interconnectedness of design, architecture and nature, Fritz Hansen presented a series of indoor and outdoor spaces; its furniture accented by trees, long grasses, timber and beautifully light, glass-walled spaces. This year’s 3 Days of Design was busy as ever but here, stretched out on daybeds admiring the views, it felt like a holiday and we found it very hard to leave. Fritz Hansen is understandably a strong contender for the “best exhibition award” for the 3rd year in a row!
Karakter’s showcase at the Galerie Mikael Andersen and the curated space inside the historical townhouse, The Conary, offered a little bit of sanctuary – beautiful, simple products set within calming atmospheres. We loved both spaces!
We were impressed by some of the newcomers to the Copenhagen scene; in particular, Paris-based TEGET presented its Mara side table and ethereal lighting, each Panel Lamp a shimmering collage of silver and gold.
In celebration of fine craftsmanship and timeless design, Mark Kenly Domino Tan hosted the London design studio, Pinch, showcasing its collection of furniture and lighting at the Copenhagen fashion store.
Another standout collaboration came from Danish manufacturer Dinesen and British architectural designer John Pawson, who, through a stripped-back exploration of wood, celebrated their long-lasting collaboration and the learnings they had gained from each other – a sentiment that resonated deeply with Coexistence, as we celebrate our 50th year and all of the relationships that have got us to where we are today.