What is Space Copenhagen?
Established back in 2005 by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, Space Copenhagen is not your typical design studio. They work across a bunch of disciplines — from interior design for private homes, hotels, and restaurants scattered all over the globe, to art installations, art direction, furniture, lighting, and those refined little objects that make a space sing. Their approach? They call it Poetic Modernism. It’s all about balancing opposites — classic meets modern, industrial vibes blend with organic forms, sculptural shapes play with minimalism, and light dances with shade. Duality and contrast are at the heart of their work, fueled by a curiosity that’s just part of being human.
Main Benefits of Space Copenhagen’s Approach
What really sets Space Copenhagen apart? It’s their intuitive, thoughtful design process that’s shaped by the unique circumstances of each project, functional needs, and a deep interest in how people behave in spaces. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Founded in 2005 by two visionary designers
- Works across interiors, art installations, furniture, lighting, and objects
- Known for “Poetic Modernism” — balancing contrasts and dualities
- Focus on slow aesthetics emphasizing quality and longevity
- Collaborations with top manufacturers like GUBI, Stellar Works, Fredericia Furniture, &Tradition, and Mater
- High-end interiors for award-winning hotels and restaurants worldwide
The Studio’s Unique Design Philosophy
Space Copenhagen’s philosophy is anything but cookie-cutter. Their designs are deeply intuitive, shaped by the specific context and needs of each project. It’s not just about making something look good — it’s about creating spaces that feel right, that function perfectly, and that resonate with human behavior. They believe in a slow aesthetic, which means focusing on quality and longevity rather than quick trends. It’s a thoughtful, deliberate way of designing that values depth over flash.
Collaborations and Notable Projects
Over the years, Space Copenhagen has built an impressive portfolio. They’ve crafted interiors for some seriously cool places — think the award-winning 11 Howard hotel in New York or The Stratford in London, which opened in Summer 2019. Then there are the acclaimed destination restaurants like Geranium and the original Noma in Copenhagen. Beyond interiors, they team up with leading manufacturers to create furniture pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Their partners include big names like GUBI, Stellar Works, Fredericia Furniture, &Tradition, and Mater. These collaborations bring their designs into homes and spaces worldwide.
The Team Behind the Magic
Space Copenhagen isn’t just about the founders — it’s a vibrant, diverse team of architects and designers who bring a mix of experience and fresh ideas to the table. Some team members have been with the studio for years, bringing deep knowledge and expertise, while newer additions inject fresh inspiration and energy. What ties them all together is a shared commitment to collaboration and creating lasting architectural and design solutions. Every project gets meticulous attention to detail and a steady focus on refining ideas until the result is both coherent and stunning.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — through thoughtful, lasting interior and architectural design
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — emphasis on quality, longevity, and slow aesthetics
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — by partnering with leading manufacturers and innovating in design
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — fostering a collaborative, skilled, and diverse team environment
Why Space Copenhagen Stands Out
What really makes Space Copenhagen stand out is their ability to blend contrasts and create harmony out of opposites. Their work isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about crafting experiences that feel natural and timeless. They don’t chase trends; instead, they focus on designs that endure, that tell a story, and that respect the people who use the spaces. It’s this poetic, human-centered approach that keeps them at the forefront of contemporary design.
