From innovative ideas to impact: rethinking design and architecture for people, planet, and profit
Creative Denmark
Creating awareness about Danish creative strongholds internationally
The Creative Denmark Dispatch: November 2024
This month, we celebrate mind-blowing design and those who dare to experiment and think creatively, pushing the boundaries of Danish design in new and exciting ways. I am truly inspired to witness the incredible talent and innovation in Danish design, exemplified in events such as the Danish Design Award and the Effie Awards, where a creative approach in communication and design becomes a tool for shaping solutions that create real impact.
Danish design has a long history of blending form, function, and aesthetics – a harmony that defined Danish Modern in the 1960s and continues to inspire. I find it fascinating how the role of design has evolved way beyond creating beautiful, functional pieces. Today, Danish design is as much about shaping ideas, processes, and experiences as it is about crafting beautiful physical products. Design drives change by focusing on user needs and addressing the challenges of our time. I am impressed by how this approach, rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a fundamental desire to solve problems worth solving, uses design thinking to create solutions that are both innovative and strategic. I see massive potential in integrating design thinking as an essential part of business strategy and development across society and sectors.?
I’ve noticed how the discourse has shifted toward design as a mindset – a versatile and innovative approach to problem-solving that reaches far beyond aesthetics. This shift reflects a redefinition of design’s purpose: It’s no longer only about “what we make” but “how we think”, inspiring product innovations and reimagining services, systems, and communication, with a planet-centric focal point.
Participating in the Danish Design Award and the Effie Awards it is indisputable to me, how Danish design has grown from being a craft to also evolving into a concept, a way of thinking that can be applied across industries and challenges, driving transformation, business, and real tangible impact for both people, planet and profit. We must continue to apply this mindset to solve the crucial challenges of our time. ?
As always, Creative Denmark is ready to support your creative business or organisation and we welcome international delegations interested in Danish creative competencies and solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of my colleagues.
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Majken Kalhave,
Executive Director, Creative Denmark
Celebrating visionary design at Danish Design Award
Last week, we celebrated creative and innovative solutions at Danish Design Award , organised by DDC – Danish Design Center and Design denmark . Here, 25 diverse design projects were nominated for their ability to make a difference for both people and the planet, addressing solutions from healthcare and sustainable materials to renewable energy and urban living. ?Seven nominees were recognised as winners, including the Best of the Best, Young Ideas, and five main Danish Design Awards. Instead of traditional categories, the winners were selected based on five values, recognising design as a driver for positive change that transforms ideas into tangible solutions for a better tomorrow. ?
The Best of the Best Award went to Mary Elizabeths Hospital - Riget for b?rn, unge og gravide for an innovative design that reimagines healthcare with a human-centred approach. VisiBIT by Visibuilt won The Young Idea with a solution that uses data to transform asphalt maintenance, making it more efficient and sustainable.
The five Danish Design Award winners demonstrate the diversity and impact of Danish design and included Luja by Coloplast which improves healthcare with micro-hole catheter technology, enhancing quality of life for the user. Molten Salt by KIRT x THOMSEN and Hyme provides efficient storage for renewable energy, ensuring green power in all weather conditions. Gabriel Loop demonstrates a closed loop take-back system that transforms textile waste into recycled textile. caramma support bottle empowers the bond between parent and child while reducing colic in a recyclable design, while Living Places Copenhagen by EFFEKT and VELUX showcases how to build homes with low CO2 footprint, combining daylight and good indoor climate at market-competitive prices.
Read more about how the Danish design transforms ideas into impactful solutions in our InFocus article here: https://bit.ly/DDAFocus
Creative Denmark is branding partner for the Danish Design Award 2024.
Building cities for tomorrow at the Liveable Cities Conference
At the beginning of November, the Liveable City conference in Scotland brought together architects, urban planners, and city representatives from Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh to explore how inclusive and sustainable urban design can shape the cities of tomorrow. For two days pressing topics such as urban challenges, creating inclusive public spaces and urban mobility through master planning, while designing healthier buildings and environments were discussed.
Creative Denmark moderated two sessions on the topics of “Inclusive cities – creating spaces for everyone” and “Masterplans and under mobility”. Discussions emphasised how thoughtful design can foster sustainability, enhance quality of life, and create cities where people can sustainably live, work, and play. Insights shared during the conference highlighted the importance of minimising barriers between citizens, integrating beauty and aesthetics with human needs, and promoting resilient, people-centred urban solutions. The Danish Architecture firms BOGL and Dissing+Weitling presented their approach to the main topics.
The event showcased the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusivity and innovative thinking to solve today’s urban challenges.
Thank you to our co-organiser Denmark in the UK together with partners Glasgow City Council , Stirling Council , Scottish Cities Alliance , and State of Green Denmark .
A celebration of creative, strategic and effective communication at Effie Awards Denmark
Last week, 32 shortlisted finalists for Effie Awards Denmark 2024 exemplified the power of Danish creativity to drive meaningful change and deliver measurable results. From advancing the green transition to enhancing quality of life, these campaigns showcased how innovative communication can address global challenges and deliver real and meaningful change.
Two gold-winning campaigns focused on Denmark’s green transition. Andel ’s ‘Windy Retreats’, by Robert/Boisen & Like-minded , invited families to experience life near wind turbines, reducing misconceptions and resistance to wind farms. Meanwhile, ‘The Dead Sea’, from Greenpeace and Danmarks Sportsfiskerforbund , by &Co. / NoA raised awareness of marine pollution through an immersive “funeral” event for Vejle Fjord, sparking a 338% increase in press coverage, underscoring the urgency of protecting Danish waters.
Campaigns targeting well-being and quality of life also delivered impressive results. ‘FOMO FOREVER’, from Kr?ftens Bek?mpelse and TrygFonden , by Robert/Boisen & Like-minded, reimagined the concept of “FOMO” to encourage young people to rethink unhealthy drinking habits and as a result made 57% reflect on their alcohol consumption. In addition, TrygFonden’s ‘Defibrillator App’ campaign by &Co. / NoA used humour to raise stroke awareness, leading to over 72,000 downloads of the life-saving app.
The event was organised by KreaKom - Kreativitet & Kommunikation .
Discover more inspiring communication cases right her: https://bit.ly/409YcIm
The Danish Frame: Celebrating Danish Design at Downtown Design Dubai 2024
Earlier this month, Danish design was showcased at @Downtown Design Dubai. The Danish Frame exhibition, organised by DI - Dansk Industri , The Trade Council of Denmark in MENA , and Creative Denmark, celebrated the essence of Danish design with a focus on aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation. Curated by creative consultant and designer Yvonne Koné , the exhibition presented the work of leading Danish design brands Hübsch A/S and Nordlux , complemented by collaborations with Kvadrat , Massimo Copenhagen , and Artcoustic Loudspeakers - Official .
The exhibition highlighted Denmark’s design philosophy in a fresh and cohesive narrative, presenting contemporary solutions in lighting, furniture, and interior design, each piece reflecting the Danish commitment to sustainability, functionality, and minimalism, that defines modern Danish interior design.
Adding to the experience, the organisers of the Danish exhibition Creative Denmark, together with ikonhouse hosted a creative networking reception for buyers, press, designers, diplomats, and Dubai Design Week delegates to connect and spark conversations. Here, Joakim Larsen , General Counsel & Head of Mission at The Trade Council of Denmark in MENA and Dorian Pauwels , CEO and Founder at ikonhouse welcomed the guests and Harald Lauritzen, Sales Manager DACH & Middle East from CARL HANSEN & S?N held an inspirational talk and organised an engaging mini workshop.
Thank you to our co-organisers and the innovative brands for showcasing the transformative power of Danish design.
Collaborative article: Financing to resilient, net-zero neighbourhoods
Explore our new collaborative article with Urban Partners investigating how to finance the transition to net-zero cities and resilient communities. The article features insights from C40 Cities , ambitious policymakers and private investors, discussing how creative funding and citizen-driven design are building resilient, liveable cities for the future.
Aligning financial resources with community-driven initiatives enhances resilience and creates attractive opportunities for investors, ensuring that sustainability becomes the irresistible choice and is a shared benefit for all. Read ‘Financing the sustainable transition of our cities: A holistic approach to urban development’ right here: https://bit.ly/CollaborativeArticleUrbanPartners
Creative Denmark assists international stakeholders and decision-makers in exploring solutions, products, and processes within the Danish creative industries. As a not-for-profit, public-private partnership our primary objective is to connect international demand for innovative solutions with Danish creative companies and competencies. Through our efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the transformative potential of Danish creativity as a driver for sustainability and increased quality of life.