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When considering the key attributes of Danish Design adjectives such as clean, simple, efficient, minimalistic, subtle & tranquil come to mind. Post reading about the history of Danish Design one understands that the Dane’s pride themselves on craftsmanship and functionality. The Dane’s have mastered the art of simplifying so that each piece of a design is an integral part. Two weeks of exposure to Danish Design has allowed me to experience this functionality that isn’t seen in many cities, as most cities expand without plan or intention in mind. The public transportation here alone is a work of art. I find myself in awe each time I enter the Metro. The architecture, the acoustics, the simplicity of the system so refined a driver isn’t needed. While I am used to the ill-planned Subway in Boston I don’t think there’s a sole who can argue the ingenuity behind the Metro.

Where does this come from? This society based upon design principals practiced and respected forever. Is this a result of Thyssen’s System theory? I’m not sure but it seems that the characteristics of Danish Design infiltrate the way of life here. Where does Danish Design come from? Thyssen might say the system in which all Danes are subjected to, I might say the landscape or history of the Danish people…some might argue Scandinavian influence. While all arguments are objective one can’t argue that the Danish Design roots run deep. Maybe because it is so foreign to me, I notice it everywhere, but I feel that every surface or layout within this city screams Danish! But what do I know…Let’s take a look.

It seems undeniable that Danish Design is influenced by the surrounding landscape. Whether it the cool, clean designs that are harsh and defiant like the winter climate here or the smooth clean lines like that of the rolling hills. In 1988 the “Panton Dish” was created and for sure mirrors the land in which it was born. I’ve recently learned that all of Danish Landscape has been designed and touched by human hands, sculpted to the Danish view of perfection. While touring Western Denmark I am forewarned not to be fooled by hills and trees, those two are result of human contact in the form of Viking graves. So maybe the landscape cannot take credit for influencing Danish Design, if it in itself is a result of Danish Design… as mentioned in class even the roads here were planned intentionally to move around the across the landscape in such a way that people do not fall asleep while driving.

Maybe Danish Design thrives on the innate want to improve the perfect. The Danish pay homage to the predecessors by improving upon designs that have already been perfected. While necessity is the mother of invention, is that not what has spurred all innovations and improvements globally throughout time? How can this specifically apply to Danish Design? In 1944 Piet Hein explained his working method “Art is solution to problems which cannot be formulated clearly before being solved.” So perhaps the Danish Design is shaped by the need to become a part of this rooted system in improving quality of life. Copenhagen seems a perfect example of this, seeing as it’s such a livable city. It has occurred to me that designing here will require much problem solving…how can you find fault in a city that has proven so efficient?

It wasn’t until the first part of the 20th century that the Danish cabinet makers and furniture designers formed a style uniquely considered Danish. Because Denmark has always been a city of trade and commerce, much of what is coined as Danish style has outside influence. For example the use of wood in Danish furniture and design, chosen for its flexibility, aesthetic pleasure and ability to warm the body and surroundings, has not generally been cut here in Denmark. A land so flat and stark of forest one might consider it odd that wood is a traditional element in Danish Design. It has been previously noted that much of Danish design influences come from the Viking Ages in which, as explorers, the Vikings had global influence in their design. I would like to think that this explorative lifestyle was handed down throughout the centuries since times have changed and perhaps the nature of Vikings is ever present in the Dane’s. While Denmark is now well rooted and established, its people no longer travelers of the sea, maybe the Danish folk have an innate desire to explore. Perhaps this is what drives Danish Designers, City planners, citizens and government officials to seek improvement in everyday life. Exploring possibilities that there is always room for improvement, and until the problem is uncovered it cannot be solved. As a result, a society that is constantly seeking improvement.