Fire

Upon investing the roots of Danish Design and trying to conclude what made something uniquely Danish I turned to Anne Marie Summerhayes's article Design, an Integral Part of the Danish. The given title seems to impose the idea on the reader that by merely being a Dane one is also a designer, or perhaps just an integral part in shaping all that is designed within this culture. It seems to me that the Danish people must be what truly have sculpted and molded Danish Design around their needs as a whole and individual smaller needs. Isn't design all about necessity? What do we need to help aid our daily and weekly tasks, or further so what do we need to get through life. Surely good design of the spaces we dwell in effect our well being, and the streets we walk, the buildings we work... So one might wonder what have the Danes needed, or longed for that is different then other cultures? Surely their needs different from that of what I need to live in extreme landscapes of The Mount Washington Valley... I think I'm a bit off topic. Let's see what Summerhayes has to say about Design and the Danish.

Summerhayes agrees with my previous conclusion that the Danish approach to design has been influenced by the country's geographical location. She elaborates and adds that the diversification of the industrialized economy, the high standard of education here in Denmark and the Democratic government all effect how the Danish approach design. She notes that over the centuries Denmark has been influenced by many foreign influences. She quotes "Our design is as Danish as our flowers. When the last Ice Age ended there was no vegetation in Denmark. The flowers which we call Danish were blown in over the border as seeds" (111). I found this quite amusing because when I first thought about Danish Design and or incorporated even images, of what I presumed to be typical in Danish style, in my blog, I first immediately thought of the Danish flower motif. Anyone who knows me might say this comment is void because I am a flower child and always think flowers first, but I really can't help it! I am obsessed. Off topic again...

Summerhayes notes that previously to 1960 Denmark had yet to industrialize, however as a nation prided themselves on skilled craftsmanship and technique. While other European countries and the United States were going through the industrial revolution Denmark primary economic dependence was on agriculture and fish. When industrialization came to Denmark they made sure that though mass productions were happening, the aesthetic and craftsmanship quality did not falter, as with this the country became increasingly wealthy. This society seems to pride itself on making quality for all. From livable conditions to functional furniture...most people are able to access these things here with great ease. Perhaps that part of the freedom Gundtvig once envisioned for all Danish people.

Summerhayes gives significant credit to N.F.S. Gundtvig, a clergy man, politician and poet who opened Denmark's first Folk High School. He built his school on the philosophy based on the concept that freedom was the essence of any learning. Summerhayes claims that Gruntvig's philosophy has played a significant role in forming twentieth century Danish culture. Gruntvig emphasised the importance of technical and artistic skills in everyday life, so that today creativity is the essential part of Danish living.

At this point I could throw my previous blog about the spirit of the Vikings out the window and give sole credit to Gruntvig's vision and lasting impression on the Danes. If what Summerhayes agrees is true then the Danes owe their shared excitement for innovation and learning to Gruntvig's. While their had previously been education in Denmark it changed drastically with the installment of the Folk High Schools across the country.The opportunity became readily available for Dane's of all ages to engage in creative problem solving; the essence of Danish Design. I'm pleased to find that creativity is an important part of the culture here. I believe the conclusion is subjectively beautiful.

In the American culture I feel that most movements are driven by the left brain. It's nice to see a society that perhaps favors the right. Maybe I feel so consumed by Danish Design because it is truly instilled in all her residence. While that assumption seems broad I'd like to believe there is great success in a society that values creativity and creating valuable experiences for all though innovation and continuous improvements in designed elements. If we can shape the way we live, and improve happiness and quality of well-being why would we miss this opportunity? I feel think that Gruntvig said "We won't let this opportunity pass us by."