Scan Magazine | Issue 74 | March 2015

PETRA MEDE – INTERNATIONAL DIVA IN THE MAKING CULTURE IN SWEDEN SPECIAL WELFARE TECHNOLOGY IN FINLAND AND NORWAY TOVE LO – THE GIRL OF THE MOMENT

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 74 MARCH 2015

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 6

6

34

Petra Mede – Diva in the making She is funny, not so politically correct, and one of the few people who could ever stand next to Graham Norton on a Eurovision stage and still win a “make ‘em laugh” battle. Swedish comedian Petra Mede is everything we love about cultural Sweden, something she will prove at the end of this month, when she will host that ESC tribute concert with, well you knew it, Graham Norton himself. Learn more about the woman who has Europe rolling on the floor laughing, on page 6.

contemporary art exhibitions, to dinosaurs and Royal Hunt traditions, Sweden is a country that treasures both culture, diversity, inspiration and learning – preferably all mixed together. So go ahead, dive into cultural Sweden 2015! You will not want to miss it.

61

DESIGN 10

Pastels, flowers and visionaries from the North Spring has got us raving about lighter, Scandiinspired fashion, flowery interior details and some of Scandinavia’s most interesting artists and designers. Find inspiration in our colourful fashion pages and features about art visionaries from Denmark and Norway, while pinning down those interior design dreams perusing our furniture and design features.

FEATURE 23

52

From Tove Lo to culinary dreams in Finland Step aside all pop princesses: there is a new music Diva in town. Tove Lo had what can only be described as a rollercoaster year in 2014, earning her top spots on hit lists around the world.

Just recovered from a vocal cord operation, she sat down with Scan Magazine to talk wild rides, song-writing, honesty and dreams for the future. Oh, and speaking of dreams, don’t miss out on our culinary features in this issue – like Tove, they are sure to leave you longing for more.

SPECIAL THEMES

61 37

Culture in Sweden Presented by Sweden’s Minister for Culture and Democracy, Alice Bah Kuhnke, this theme guides you through the best cultural display Sweden has ever had to offer. From astonishing

Welfare technology in Norway and Finland The Nordic countries have a knack for remaining at the forefront of medical research and development, taking pride in creating life-altering technology for those who need it the most. We have scanned the Nordics for the most inspiring, ground-breaking businesses that make a true difference in people’s lives – every day. From Finland’s Modern Diagnostics, to Norway’s Smart-control.no, we promise this theme will leave you in awe of what modern technology can achieve.

BUSINESS 92

Handy Scandi and welcoming conferences in Hillerød In need of an experienced team of tradesmen with a high-quality guarantee and Scandinavian training? Not to worry, Handy Scandi have got your needs covered – from painting to flooring and kitchen installations. Also, don’t miss this month’s conferences of the month: from Denmark’s welcoming Hillerød to Finland’s impressive Marina Congress Center, there is something for all companies. In addition to this, we provide you with a look inside some of Denmark's most exciting businesses.

CULTURE 100 Shouting action with Grimås Having won a BAFTA for best short film, Swedish director Jonas Grimås has now ventured into teaching and writing – crafting the one book he wished he’d read before starting his own directing career. Also, don’t miss our popular Scandipop column and our Assistant Editor’s review of the travel guide London, Baby, London on p?.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 86

Fashion Diary | 12 We Love This | 79 Hotels of the Month | 83 Attractions of the Month Restaurants of the Month | 95 Conferences of the Month | 99 Humour | 102 Culture Calendar

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Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, I’ve always been an archetypically Swedish (and thereby HUGE) Eurovision fan. Perhaps that followed with my genes (most likely), or perhaps it was a direct result of what can only be described as a wobbling taste in music (perhaps also likely). Therefore, my joy was great when ESC came back home (yes, home) to Sweden in 2013. What was even greater? Petra Mede, comedic genius and cunning wordsmith, was chosen to host the grand gala as the first sole, female host in the history of ESC. Isn’t that something? This time around she is hosting the BBC’s Eurovision’s Greatest Hits show alongside British funnyman Graham Norton, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her as this month’s cover star. Check out our Assistant Editor’s bubbly interview with her on page 6!

As a face of TV, comedy, music and, in fact, ballet, Petra presents an apt connection to this year’s ‘Culture in Sweden’ special. From the world-acclaimed Moderna Museet, Sweden’s hot spot for contemporary art, to the Royal Hunt Museum and the Royal Armoury, this theme will bring you several steps closer to what we believe is the best display of cultural experiences Sweden has ever had to offer. So put that cultural hat on, sit back, and browse!

Furthermore, our welfare technology theme is back, covering both Norway and Finland. We have sourced, interviewed and

Scan Magazine

Graphic Designers

Issue 74 | March 2015

Joseph J. Ewin

Published 10.03.2015 ISSN 1757-9589

Jack W. Gooch Contributors Signe Hansen

Published by Scan Magazine Ltd

Nina Lindqvist

learnt from some of the Nordic countries’ best medical researchers, ergonomists and analytical minds, whose professional purpose is improving the quality of life for those who are often hindered in their everyday lives. From Ergogrip’s simple but immensely helpful support bars aimed at those afraid to fall, to Modern Diagnostics’ high-quality diagnostic service for pregnant women and their families, these companies have opened our eyes. Read, learn and be inspired.

Adding to this is a dazzling design and culinary section, our top three picks for dining out in Helsinki, and a revealing interview with the girl who’s got the music industry talking: Tove Lo. Have a wonderful start to your spring!

Julie Lindén Editor

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4 | Issue 74 | March 2015

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Scan Magazine | Cover feature | Petra Mede

“I quite often have to be censored,” the wildly successful, but sometimes controversial comedian admits. “When I write skits and bits for a gala or any other show, other writers go through it afterwards and scratch the really nasty parts they think will cause riots,” she says.

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Scan Magazine | Cover feature | Petra Mede

Petra, Petra, Petra!

As one of the most successful Swedish comedians of all time, Petra Mede made the world aware of her sharp humour, poisonous tongue and brilliant entertainment skills as the sole host of the grand Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, 2013. Now facing another international challenge alongside one of Britain’s most acclaimed funnymen, Petra sits down with Scan Magazine to talk about the road to success, the importance of self-adoration, diva-hood and the BBC.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Mats Håkansson / keepthepace.se

“I guess maybe I am!” Petra Mede exclaims when asked if she would be more comfortable with the epithet ‘jack of all trades’ rather than being fitted into one professional category. With a portfolio as broad as Petra’s, boxing her in would prove very difficult. With successes in stand-up comedy, various TV shows, gala-hosting, TV-presenting and acting, she sure does cast a wide net.

“I’d love to be a proper Diva” As an all-round entertainment machine, it is hard to imagine any grounds Petra hasn’t set her boots on. Earlier this year she hosted the 50th annual Guldbaggegalan, Sweden’s largest award show celebrating the film industry. It was her third time hosting the gala, and along with other honourable offers and hosting jobs she is now one of the most skilled presenters in Sweden – potentially Scandinavia. Surely an achieved objective like that would be enough to satisfy even the most tickling career hunger. Yet, the future for Petra is filled with exciting opportunities and plans for toes to be dipped in new waters. “I like being able to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and I realise how incredibly privileged I am being able to transmit that restlessness into a career,” she says. Be it privilege or simply the reward for years of hard work and raw talent, Petra has in relatively few years made a big impact on the

Scandinavian entertainment scene. On stage Mede presents herself with a certainty and a larger-than-life presence found in world supernovas. “I’d love to be a proper Diva, unbearable and arrogant,” she laughs, “but it doesn’t work at home unfortunately.”

From tour guide to fate-propelled comedian Having performed from a very young age, Petra found ways to work her comedic talent into her stage presence early on, but it would take a long time before she found her way to professional comedy. “I did classical ballet for so long,” she says when we talk about her time at the Swedish Ballet Academy. “The focus there was dance, discipline and dedication. It was all very serious and at that point, comedy was far, far away from my everyday life. Don’t get me wrong, I had such fun times with the people I trained with, but professionally speaking, being funny was not at all on my mind.” Fate, however, was waiting around the corner as Petra injured her back and was forced to give up dancing altogether.

After going back to university to study languages, she became a tour guide in Stockholm where she had to stand in front of curious tourists every day and talk about the city. “I started to come up with ways to keep them entertained during the tours. I made fun of the archetypical introverted

Swede and made people laugh at their own prejudices, which was fun. If life had taken a different route I’d probably still be doing it.”

But fate had, yet again, mapped out a different route. In 2005 her friend signed her up for a stand-up competition, which left Petra the winner. After that, things started moving really quickly. Within two years she was doing comedy full-time and was able to make a decent living by being funny.

“Stand-up comedy, like any other industry, is very sensitive to trends, and when I ‘made it’ it was a kind of raw tone that was the hottest thing,” she explains. TVshows like RAW Comedy and Roast at Berns were two hugely popular programmes that launched a lot of new famous talents, while simultaneously boosting the careers of more veteran comedians. The new, young stand-up audience was hungry for more. “It was easy for me to find my voice in that climate, it went well with my natural humour and the way I joke with my family and friends.”

This can often be seen in Petra’s routines and shows: the stingy comments, the sharp tongue and a tone dripping with sarcasm, something that may not be completely aligned with every occasion. “I quite often have to be censored,” Petra admits.

“When I write skits and bits for a gala or any other show, other writers go through it afterwards and scratch the really nasty parts they think will cause riots,” she says.

Ellen, Tina and Amy – and a little Midler As one of Sweden’s biggest names in entertainment, Petra Mede looks to the greatest for inspiration. “When it comes to hosting events and award shows, I really like Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey and Amy

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Scan Magazine | Cover feature | Petra Mede

Poehler. They are sharp, quick, and I like the way they brutally deliver punchlines by simply speaking the truth. Using that raw kind of truth-saying is a delicate thing.

All depends on the audiences’ reciprocation, and it’s not always spot-on, of course.

You have to be able to ‘feel the room’ and situations, but when you get it right, it’s hilarious, shocking and it gives people something to think about.”

Mentioning other giants who have paved the way for Petra’s cultural career and interest, we come to talk about Bette Midler.

“I grew up loving what she did – she’s such an all-rounder. She’s funny, a hard worker and she’s not just the one thing. She does a multitude of things and has skilfully managed not to be placed in a box. She does it all.” Describing Midler like this, the parallels to Petra herself are not far away.

To this she laughs and then says confidently: “You know what, I think you’re right, there is a little Midler in me. My one and only downfall is that I can’t sing all that well,” she says with a laugh. “Other than that, I’m basically flawless. I value myself very highly,” she adds. She’s not the only one.

Honouring 60 years of ESC

Photo: Courtesy of BBC

On 31 March Petra will enter the stage at Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith in London, side by side with TV presenter extraordinaire Graham Norton. Together they will host the Eurovision’s Greatest Hits as part of the European Broadcasting Union’s celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. “It is nothing short of insane,” Petra exclaims. “BB freaking C! And then me. And Graham! Oh my...” she muses. The expectations are high ahead of the big-scale celebration, which will be broadcast in over 20 countries. Winners from Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark and Finland will join last year’s winner Conchita Wurst and representatives from eight other countries in this grand concert. “I just hope I can do the event justice and the fans proud,” says Petra in a moment of humility. “It’s a big deal.”

Petra hosting the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. This month, she will host the 60th anniversary tribute concert, put on by the BBC, together with British funnyman Graham Norton (insert).

8 | Issue 74 | March 2015

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Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and take a walk on our beautiful larch wood boardwalk, which will take you all the way up to the venue.

Bådan Buffet & Café offers a delicious, varied buffet weekdays and a generous brunch during weekends.

Both our restaurant terraces offer breathtaking views and beautiful archipelago surroundings.

The 1.800 sqm large Artipelag art gallery is adorable and the exhibitions are frequently visited.

FULFILL YOUR SENSES Artipelag is a unique international meeting place, where art exhibitions, cultural activities, modern architecture, Swedish design and excellent food is combined in an archipelago setting.

Artipelag is located 20 min by car/bus from the city and is offering a unique nature experience to be combined with various activities such as enjoying a walk on the board walk, an interesting art experience, a Scandinavian cuisine, daily fresh baked bread and pastries from our own bakery, and a shop with Artipelag designed products.

The building, which measures 10.400 sqm hosts two restaurants, both with outdoor terraces and service depending on season, several meeting rooms in varying sizes, as well as an art exhibition hall, a large open spaced foyer, which can also be used for dinner parties. Above this, Artipelag is also offering a great Artbox space for large events, banquets, product launches, opera and theatres. The Artbox takes up to 1.000 people in capacity. Welcome!

ART | ACTIVITIES | ARCHIPELAGO

READ MORE AT ARTIPELAG.SE, VISIT US AT ARTIPELAGSTIGEN 1, VÄRMDÖ, FOLLOW US ON

/ARTIPELAG

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary...

Days are becoming lighter and longer, and so are our sartorial wish lists. Welcome spring in bright pastels and a boho chic attitude – with just enough laidback cool to last you all summer!

By Julie Lindén

March is the perfect month to switch from those heavy knitted shawls to thinner silk scarfs. Totême is a brand founded by Swedish fashionista Elin Kling and her husband Karl Lindman, and oozes relaxed yet chic aesthetic.

Khalifa silk-georgette scarf: £200 www.net-a-porter.com

Altewai Saome caused a fashionable stir when presenting their first collection a few years ago, and since then all news has been great news. This striped skirt has a structured feel, becoming a real statement piece with the right complements.

Price upon request www.altewaisaome.com

Katrin Uri has quickly become one of our favourite Scandi marques. Firmly based in Norwegian ease of use and wearability, her brand borrows from Danish bohemian trends and Swedish cool to form a coherent Scandinavian sartorial identity.

Fiona coat: £230 Thempson triangle pullover: £135 New York boyfriend patch jeans: £160 Cactus aria scarf: £110 www.miinto.no

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Swedish Hasbeens have made the world fall in love with the Swedish clog, and they’re not done yet.

Don’t miss the brand’s pop-up shop in East London’s Boxpark on 12 March!

Prices from £95 www.swedishhasbeens.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Moods of Norway – how can you not love them? Having officially made vintage farmer-inspired fashion cool amongst the masses from Oslo to Los Angeles, they have truly lived up to their goal of making ‘happy clothes for happy people’.

Stein Tonning blazer: £295 Bowtie: £29 Ola W Flo jeans: £100 www.moodsofnorway.com

Transparent glasses? Of course! Other than the actual lenses, that is. Cheap Monday’s retro chic sunglasses will have you ready for sunny days in no time.

Mast seethrough black sunglasses: £19 cheapmonday.com

This Dr Denim sweater has all the things we love: a comfy fit, a charmingly 80s-inspired pattern and the cosiest feel you could possibly find. A staple and a favourite!

Teag blue mix sweater: £49 www.drdenimjeans.com

Swedish Tretorn have long been known for their rubber boots ‘born out of Scandinavian weather’, but have also developed a line of comfy and stylish sneakers. With the sports apparel trend never going out of fashion, you can rest fashionably assured in your Tretorn hockey boots.

Antique white boots: £69 tretorn.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

We love that spring is coming, and we know you do too. These Skandihome design goodies are just what every home needs to welcome the warmer season. Hurry up and get them before the other spring and interior lovers buy them all. We suspect that it’s only a matter of time…

By Astrid Eriksson | Press Photos

Nothing says spring just quite as much as bubbly beverages. The Lilja glassware is perfect for special occasions with its classic design and luxurious leaf engraving. But why exclude its use to exclusive usage?

It’s dishwasher safe – so go on, make every day a celebration.

Lilja Champagne Flute | £9.50 | www.skandihome.com

Subtle and sophisticated in shape, with a luxurious golden trim and filled with Scandinavian elegance. This vase will lift an entire room in its own discrete way. Paired with a couple of flowers, et voila! Bigger bouquets are not needed, the vase in itself will be the main attraction.

Flower Bud Vase |£15 | www.skandihome.com

The lovely Tulip Tray is hand-made from the finest Scandinavian birch wood in the South of Sweden. Each tray is made from a single sheet of birch providing a high quality finish and longevity of use. Dishwasher safe and so just so darn cute!

Green Tulip Round Tray | £29.00 | www.skandihome.com

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Making the room flicker with its clever and beautiful design, this lantern is a dream for every cosy evening. We love the design, the classic shape and the Scandinavian timelessness. We love it all!

Texture Storm Lantern | £24 | www.skandihome.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Hilde Eilertsen Sletvold

Steady, 158x108

Arctic Light, 76x56

Breath, 130x102

Lights of the North Proudly carrying the moniker ‘ambassador of the lights of the North’, Hilde Eilertsen Sletvold has caught the eye of many an art critic. Having put a 21-year-long past as a paediatric nurse behind her to focus on her preferred hobby of watercolour painting, she has not only uncovered her passion – but also made it her livelihood.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Hilde Eilertsen Sletvold

“I loved my old job, but watercolour painting had always attracted me,” says the admired Norwegian artist as we chat on an early morning in February. “I decided to set aside some time and take a course – and I quickly felt this urge to devote more and more time to the craft. So I did,” she says with the unmistakably light tone of someone who has followed their dreams to the fullest, and succeeded. She explains that the decision to devote herself to painting on a full-time basis came after a time of self-reflection. “I had to sort parts of my life out – close a few doors to open others. I knew I wanted to focus on my art.”

Despite drawing inspiration from what she describes as “everything in life”, Sletvold has become noted for her clear and precise interpretations of the distinctive light

in her home region of Northern Norway.

“There’s so much to draw from in the surroundings up here. Changes in weather, from clear skies to windy days. The nature seems so very close.” She explains that these very factors are especially well portrayed through the use of watercolours.

“You can’t go back with watercolours – once it’s there it’s there. The colours mix in a different way, coming alive on their own, something which matches the light up north very well. Watercolours give you the opportunity to be both concrete and bold at the same time.”

Sletvold’s art is known far outside Norwegian borders, as she has participated in several important international art gatherings. For instance she was chosen to represent the Nordic Watercolour Society at the European Confederation of Water-

colour Societies in Genova in 2012. She was also juried by the International Watercolour Society in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Renowned artists speak warmly of her talents, with the late, stellar Norwegian artist and teacher Torgeir Schjølberg noting: “Throughout the years I’ve been teaching, there is, from time to time, someone who makes an especially positive mark. Hilde Eilertsen Sletvold is a name in a class of its own. She has a natural talent.”

Sletvold interprets light and mood in her own distinctive way.

Sletvold will be hosting watercolour classes in France on 7-15 May For more information, please visit: www.hildesletvold.no

Issue 74 | March 2015 | 13

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Contemporary artist Christina Julsgaard with a selection of her modern paintings. Photo by Jacob Kirk

Energy impersonated and portrayed If you imagine a volcanic energy explosion miraculously manifesting itself in sensuous colour contrasts and hypnotising shapes, you get an idea of how Christina Julsgaard works. The Danish artist, who is enrapturing fans of abstract painting at home and abroad, shares her visions with Scan Magazine.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Art by CJ

Talking to Christina Julsgaard is a lot like looking at one of her paintings; you are met by a stream of creative energy and joy, but also a sense of purpose and practicality. The 38-year-old artist uses her abstract paintings to both express ideas and release energy. “I get ideas all the time and if I don’t get them out, I get tics.

I need an outlet. The paintings are my emotional space, where I can link experiences, feelings and thoughts together for my own particular abstract language,” explains the energetic artist. Though her work has been exhibited in various galleries all over the world, including Shang-

14 | Issue 74 | March 2015

hai, Berlin, the Netherlands and France, Julsgaard sells most of her work through her own studio and website.

The music of colours It is not the first time Julsgaard has been in charge of her own business. At the age of 20, she was already living out her dream travelling the world for a Danish design firm, and, in 2001, she started her own minimalistic design brand. When Julsgaard, shortly after, began painting, she experienced that the art provided an energising and infectious source of idea development for her many designs. Dec-

orating her former shop in Copenhagen with a few of her paintings, the designer soon discovered that her artworks could also inspire in their own right. “When I had my own brand, I was designing and doing lots of exciting projects, but when I was painting, I experienced a different kind of freedom. I did not paint with the intention of selling my work but just because I felt a desire to,” says Julsgaard and continues: “In a way the art complemented and inspired my design work, but it also worked the other way around.

When I looked at a colour chart, I felt the urge to do something else, to use the colours in another way than I could in my clothing designs. Doing that, without worrying about its purpose, gave me an amazing sense of independence.”

Christina’s intuitive eye for remarkable colour and figure combinations quickly

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Scan Magazine | Design | Art by CJ

caught the eye of art buyers and critics, and, in 2009, she decided to dedicate herself to her art full time.

From the white canvas to the office wall The freedom Julsgaard feels when painting is reflected in a captivating and invigorating randomness in her pictures.

Through intuitive visual abstractions she portrays emotions and moods, which the viewer is free to interpret. "I love to hear people's experiences when they gaze at my paintings. Many find motifs that reflect their own lives and thoughts, which is very fascinating,” she says.

Working from her family home in North Zealand, 20 minutes from Copenhagen, Julsgaard sells art through both her studio and website. The website enables buyers to visualise her paintings in different settings as integrating her artwork in homes and offices is one of the many things the multitalented artist enjoys. “I find all parts of my business really exciting: creating the website, designing sales material and meeting the buyers. It is the same joy I get from creating a painting.

Every time I start with a white canvas, I get to create something from the bottom and follow it all the way to its new home,” Julsgaard explains and finishes: “I love architecture and interior design and I would love to create a collection of artwork which would provide a common denominator throughout an entire building, a hotel or office, that would be really exciting.”

In 2011, Christina Julsgaard was among the 102 Danish artists chosen to decorate an elephant sculpture for the great cultural event, the Elephant Parade, which adorned the streets of Copenhagen in aid of saving the Asian elephants.

More recently she has had an international solo exhibition at a gallery in Shanghai, China, which she now regularly collaborates with and a joint exhibition in Hong Kong and a gallery in France.

For more information, please visit: www.cjulsgaard.dk

TOP: Christina Julsgaard in progress and her atelier. Photos by Line Thit Klein.

BOTTOM: A private Nordic home with the painting 140x140 cm called Focus.

Issue 74 | March 2015 | 15

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Scan Magazine | Design | Stars by P

Gipsy Love: Stars By P’s romantic new brand Gipsy Love oozes bohemian romance.

A rising star in the jewellery world Endorsed by international stars, Danish fashion magazines and The Danish Cancer Society, the popularity of twinkling Danish jewellery brand Stars By P is increasing with the speed of light. Behind the continuously developing brand is the fashion-savvy autodidact designer Pia Skovgaard, who stays ahead of new trends by creating at least one new design a day.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Helene Steensby / Stars By P

Founded just five years ago, the alwaysglittering designs of Stars by P are, today, worn by everyone from students to international reality stars. The popularity of the brand’s jewellery and accessories is largely down to Skovgaard’s unceasing work to keep up with the rapidly changing fashion world and be the first to reach the stores with new trends. “I have been successful in being the first to present new trends on the market because I have my own production. It means that I can shape and twist my products exactly the way I want to and

16 | Issue 74 | March 2015

get them on the market as quickly as possible,” says the 45-year-old. As the brand’s name reveals, Skovgaard’s work include a series of star shaped designs, but principally the star in the name refers to Skovgaard’s ambition to create designs with a “special sparkle”.

classic glittering ear studs, bohemian necklaces with colourful feather pendants and stone studded iPhone covers – it is all there, and sold at prices that exclude no one. “One of my goals was to create something that was so beautiful that people did not think about its price, something that appealed to everyone.

Everyone can take part, rich or poor, and I think that’s part of the fun. We get contacted by a lot of stylists and have done many things for reality shows and actors. Private label is also a common request from our customers, and it’s one of the challenging opportunities we find very exciting,” explains Skovgaard.

Feathers, pearls and rhinestones The strength of Stars By P lies not just in its first-mover advantage, but also in its diverse and broadly appealing products.

Different styles and materials are all included in the ever-changing assortment;

Making it count But it’s not just reality stars and actors who have helped raise Stars By P’s star.

Soon after Skovgaard released her first designs, she was contacted by The Dan-

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Scan Magazine | Design | Stars by P

Pearls and stones: the beautiful designs of Stars By P always add a little extra sparkle to their surroundings.

ish Cancer Society and asked if the organisation could use her star-shaped designs in its, then, new campaign for children with cancer, called Stars for Life and Breast Cancer. Skovgaard, who had previously worked voluntarily for the organisation, was happy to say yes. “Before starting Stars By P, I used to work in a

Autodidact designer Pia Skovgaard has achieved great success with Stars By P’s sparkly and broadly appealing jewellery and accessories.

major medical company that really made a difference, and even though this project of course does make a difference in the sense that it has created work for a lot of people, I felt the need to do something more, and I felt I could do that through my work with the Danish Cancer Society.

I need to feel that I am making a difference,” stresses Skovgaard.

Skovgaard donated her work for free, but through the campaign came an increased attention for the newly started brand. The success means that Skovgaard, whose financial background is involved in all aspects of her business, has been extremely busy over the last years.

When she is not working on developing and distributing new designs with her team of five in Copenhagen, she is searching for new materials or visiting the company’s production sites in Asia. "I have a designer located in China, who ensures that the quality is perfect and that everything is running smoothly, but I also visit production sites three or four times a year. I am very determined to ensure that work conditions and production methods are proper. I have only chosen producers with top standards, and

when I go there, I can see for myself that they uphold them,” Skovgaard stresses.

From mother to daughter Luckily, in recent years, the busy designer has received a helping hand from her 23-year-old daughter Gabriella, who is working hard to catch up with her fashion-savvy mother. “My daughter has always been very interested in fashion, but when she was younger, I bought many things from abroad that she just could not see why I would get, and then a year later, when it broke through in Denmark, she would realise why. But today she is catching up – designing her own brand Gipsy Love gives her a lot of challenges, and she is picking up more and more responsibility,” says Skovgaard, concluding with a laugh: “Hopefully one day she will take over. I am not a young woman anymore and if things carry on at this speed, I will have to pass on the baton.”

For more information, please visit: www.starsbyp.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Cecilie Bernhard

A variety of expression: Cecilie Bernhard scarves appeal to all kinds of people, from ladies in their 70s to young men in their 20s.

Creative re-imagining “I am always the best version of myself – always the happiest – when I’m creating something,” says Cecilie Bernhard de la Prada, who completely turned her life around in 2011. Though the last few years have been challenging, Cecilie knows she has found her purpose in life making highly original garments and jewellery with her own hands. Bernhard loves what she does – and it’s become obvious that everyone else does too.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Cecilie Bernhard

Her ingenious “Cecilie Bernhard” scarves are selling at a rate the modest lady never expected. Recently, her multipurpose jewellery, which came about as a simple experimental hobby at home, was picked up by a photographer.

Now her creations are in high demand amongst stylists and brides across Denmark, and her web shop is beginning to receive orders from across the world.

Bernhard grew up in a highly creative family. She graduated from the Royal

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Theatre in Copenhagen and worked as a stage manager for many years. She loved the buzzing environment but knew that something was missing. “My job mainly involved planning and organisation,” Cecilie explains. “I came to realise that wasn’t quite me.” Unfortunately, it took an intensely difficult period with severe stress and hard decisions before she dared to leave her stable, secure job and begin again. “I spent a long time finding out that it was possible to ‘re-saddle’,” Cecilie recalls. “It

was all about putting my impulses aside and listening to that little voice deep inside.”

Scarves with character “The one idea I constantly came back to was these scarves. I made some for my husband and then myself, and then some of our friends began asking about them. It just took off from there.” The ingenious scarves are a shining example of how Cecilie’s innovative mind works.

They’re all made up of several different pieces of reused materials from across the world, and feature buttons which enable them to be worn in several different ways, for instance as a shawl, a scarf or a hood. A hidden pocket with a zip makes the scarf highly practical, so much so that it can even replace a light jacket in the unpredictable Nordic spring and autumn.

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Scan Magazine | Design | Cecilie Bernhard

Although all scarves are created from the same basic pattern, no two scarves feature the same combinations of materials. Each scarf becomes unique and takes on its own special character. “For each new scarf, I look around and find samples that I think will go well together,” Cecilie explains. “Then I lay them out on a table and give it some time, adding some and taking away others before I start putting it all together.”

The scarves express themselves very differently. Some become classically elegant while others end up with a bohemian, gypsy-style feel. Some are colourful and others much quieter. The variety of expression means that the Cecilie Bernhard scarves appeal to all kinds of people, from ladies in their 70s to young men in their 20s.

Stories to tell It is the uniqueness of her scarves which Cecilie treasures the most. Twice a year, she sets off to foreign lands to hunt down forgotten old treasures at markets, retro shops and fairs. An old lady’s tiny shop in Paris, which used to sell ribbon and pearl bands to the big fashion brands, is like a sweet shop to Cecilie: “I leave my credit card at home to stop myself from buying everything!” The materials she finds can be anything from old officer’s jackets to curtains to discarded ball gowns. She has rejected suggestions to transfer production overseas to match the increasing demand. She is adamant that each scarf should be crafted with time and care, and fears the unethical working conditions as well as the inevitable loss of quality and originality standardisation would bring. Instead, Cecilie continues to lovingly handcraft each scarf at her home workshop – which lies in the middle of a quiet forest in Vestbjerg.

Fairy tale jewellery The fairy tale-like setting has clearly rubbed off, and it is possible to discern Cecilie’s background at the Royal Theatre in her new jewellery, which she only started making last year. The pieces are beautiful, theatrical and dream-like. Like the scarves, these pieces are a testi-

Cecilie started making her fairy-tale inspired jewellery last year, to rave reviews.

mony to their inventor’s creativity. Jewellery is usually designed for just one part of the body, but Cecilie’s creations can be used again and again: as hairpieces, on a belt, or as normal jewellery, but also around the house as decorative curtain tie-backs or table pieces. This ensures that the dramatic, fantastical creations can continue to shine outside the big, special occasions. They’re made with magnets which ensure they don’t damage clothes or the home. Only at the very end of the interview does Cecilie humbly mention that her jewellery has already been picked up by fashion photographers and stylists and used at redcarpet events. Cecilie, however, would be making them even if they weren’t. “I make these things because I just can’t help myself!”

For more information, please visit: www.ceciliebernhard.com

“The idea I constantly came back to was these scarves. I made some for my husband and then myself, and then our friends began asking about them. It just took off from there,” says Cecilie Bernhard de la Prada about her brand’s beginnings.

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Scan Magazine | Design | LOPFURNITURE

Left: LOPFURNITURE’S combination of simplicity and complexity makes its furniture distinctively interesting. Right: The Lobster chair has been covered by various publications around the world, leading LOPFURNITURE to experience great demand for their products.

An innovative and creative design If you are looking for quality, comfort and creativity, when you want to buy new furniture, you might want to check out LOPFURNITURE. The company is known worldwide for its design and especially for the famous “Lobster chair”, which can now again be bought in Denmark.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Ole Hartmann Schmidt

It was back in 1992 Oluf Lund and Eva Paarmann first worked together when they were both studying architecture, but it was not before 2006 they decided to found their own company. LOPFURNITURE became the name and the cooperation between Lund and Paarmann quickly turned into a success. “I believe one of the secrets is that we design furniture to suit our own taste so to speak.

We never begin a process by thinking if we might be able to sell it, and we never glance at trends, common sense or market movements. We enjoy the

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TURE’s small, handmade production could not handle it. A manufacturer with more capacity therefore took over. In the last couple of years they did not focus on the Danish market and now LOPFURNITURE is selling the Lobster in Denmark again.

process and people seem to like the design, because it is different and very functional. No matter how nice a chair looks it still has to be comfortable to sit in, so we are very aware of the quality and the materials we use,” explains Eva Paarmann, one of the founders and designers at LOPFURNITURE. The design is known all over the world and people of all ages seem to like the furniture. In Denmark the furniture is sold at Naarup Savvaerk on the island of Funen, but customers from most of Europe and USA buy the products online – especially the famous Lobster chair that was first designed in 2008 and soon became a tremendous success. Various magazines from The Himalayan Times to Playboy all wrote about the lobster chair, generating a great demand. Usually, LOPFURNITURE design, produce and sell all their furniture themselves, but the potential of the Lobster Chair suggested that LOPFURNI-

“What makes the Lobster Chair so special is the fact that we made a 3-D shape from 2-D material. It was one of those designs that almost created itself. When we first had the shape everything else just fell into place. I think it is the combination of simplicity and complexity that makes it so interesting,” says Eva Paarmann.

For more information, please visit: www.lopfurniture.dk

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Scan Magazine | Design | RWD

Scandinavian with a twist Everyone has a dream – that burning desire to achieve something you have always wanted to achieve. Unlike most, Rosa Winther Denison chose to follow hers, and has created RWD: a clothing brand that creates beautiful Scandinavian clothes with a twist.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: RWD

Denison creates some striking designs in everything from coats to shorts to hand-knitted hats. All of these are inspired by architecture and the aesthetics hidden within, but she also judges clothes on her own gut feeling. “Everything has to be practical, while still complementing the body’s shape,” Denison says, before revealing that her coats have a special slit to make it easier to cycle in them. RWD follows the tradition of classic Danish functionalistic design.

All clothing items are sustainably made, the materials having been responsibly sourced and Denison hand-delivering most of her products on her bike to reduce emissions.

When talking to Denison you get a sense of the passion she has for her designs. Whilst working with her company she is also studying design, and is as ambitious as it gets. “The

dream that it will one day all succeed is what drives me,” Denison says. It is impossible not to be inspired by her enthusiasm and love for what she does.

The clothes are not only practical, beautiful and sustainable, but they are also unique and lovingly created. With an innate wish that we all go back to wearing quality products rather than mass produced clothes, Denison provides us with an opportunity to express our individuality through her clothes and her distinctive design.

RIGHT: RWD items are practical, whilst complimenting the body’s shape.

For more information, please visit: www.rwdcph.com

Contact +45 3527 1520 booking@charlottehaven.com www.charlottehaven.com

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Scan Magazine | Design | Strai Kjøkken

Photo: Jon-Petter Thorsen

Through no less than 12 self-owned shops and 11 independent dealers, Strai sells a variety of kitchen interiors – all adapted to every nook and corner of your home.

Fourth generation quality kitchen interiors With an honoured history of quality craftsmanship rooted in local production, Strai Kjøkken have grown to become Norway’s largest kitchen outlet. Having celebrated its 85th jubilee last year nothing seems to be standing in the way of the company, which prides itself on flawless, custom-made interiors, an environmentally friendly profile and an unbeatable process of quality control.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Strai Kjøkken

It was after 20 years of carpentering experience in the US that Strai Kjøkken’s founder, Erling Tobiassen, returned to Norway envisioning a woodworking factory that could develop ground-breaking furniture pieces. The year was 1929, and the ideas were many. Today, more than eight decades later, Strai Kjøkken is not only Norway’s largest kitchen supplier, but an esteemed name in the business. “It’s not that common to find a fourth generation interiors company of this size, and what is more: one that focuses on Norwegian production in Norway,” says Vidar Christensen, Head of Sales at Strai Kjøkken. “We see that there is a remarkably large demand for Norwegian manufacturing, and crafts-

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men who can build custom-made kitchens that adapt to a variety of homes. That’s what we do.”

Through no less than 12 self-owned shops and 11 independent dealers, Strai sells a variety of kitchen interiors – all adapted to every nook and corner of your home. Consultants start off by carrying out a requirements analysis, determining what features are key for each individual user. “Needs are invariably different for a family with small children and a young couple, so every design needs to be customised. Requirements can be that surfaces need to be easy to clean, or that the layout of the kitchen allows for a lot of movement,” suggests

Christensen. He explains that every order is carefully overviewed and voided of any potential flaws before it is sent to the company’s own factory. “It’s a matter of trust and security,” he notes.

“People put a lot of funds into their kitchen, so the results cannot be less than perfect.”

Beyond a keen sense of customer care and quality production, Strai puts a lot of focus on executing an environmentally friendly process. “We follow all local criteria of environmentally friendly storage and wastage, and we were one of the first businesses in Norway to receive the Miljøfyrtårn environmental certification in 2002.

We’re very proud to be green!” concludes Christensen.

Strai kitchens – with a clean, green, quality conscience.

For more information, please visit: strai.no

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Tove Lo

Photo: Johannes Helje

Tove Lo – the girl of the moment Tove Lo is destined to become the next great Swedish singing superstar. With over 250 million views on YouTube, her single Habits has reached number one on Shazam Worldwide, triple platinum in the USA, Top 10 in over seventy countries and sold over four million copies across the world. To cap it all off nicely, Tove completed her whirlwind year by being named the third most streamed new artist of 2014 on Spotify. With 2015 already shaping up to be even more triumphant, it’s the perfect time to speak to the lady of the moment.

By Helen Cullen | Press Photos

Tove speaks to us while recovering from surgery on her vocal chords; although the operation was frightening for her, she has made a full recovery and is in very high spirits. “Luckily the surgery went great,” she confides, “and I can't wait to get back out there and do my thing. I have an amazing team of doctors here in Stockholm. It’s obviously a very scary thing to cut into the

earnest. “That's where music grew from an interest to a passion to a need. It's where I learned to sing, to perform and to dream,” she explains. “It can be competitive at schools like this but I always felt very supported and built the courage I needed to start doing this properly and to put everything into my music. I learned you can totally believe in yourself and be humble at the same time.”

most important thing in my life but I felt safe all the way through.”

Candy notes and dreams coming true

As a young girl, Tove loved attention and jumped at every opportunity available to perform as she dreamed of becoming a pop star. Attending Stockholm’s Rytmus Music School was the launch pad she needed to pursue her musical career in

Queen of the clouds, Tove’s debut album, was released to incredible critical and commercial acclaim throughout Scandinavia, Europe and America in late 2014, and a hotly anticipated UK release will follow in April of this year. The album was recorded over an extended period of time

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Tove Lo

in Tove’s life and perfectly captures the incredible roller-coaster she has been riding. “I was traveling a lot during the final recording process so some of the songs are bedroom vocals, and some are recorded with engineers in fancy studios around the world but most of the vocals we used were actually the first demo takes regardless,” she tells us. “It’s always the most emotional and raw recordings that I like to keep. It obviously helps that I write most of the vocal lines so I know all the little details and ‘candy notes’ as I like to call them.” After the phenomenal success that Tove achieved with her breakout hit Habits, expectations for the album were extremely high, but critics are confident that Tove has lived up to the hype. The album continues to garner attention globally and the momentum is building to fever pitch, a reaction Tove is grateful for and relieved at. “I had no ex-

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pectations, only dreams. I feel like they've partly come true so it feels like we’re off to a great start,” she reflects. “I feel like the album has been getting a lot of love and that people seem to relate to it, which is what I want the most.”

“Ten years wrapped into one” When lightning struck for Tove, she had been quietly working away at her singing for many years. However, when it struck – it struck hard. Her life has been completely transformed in a very short space of time. “I feel like I’ve had ten years wrapped into one. I went from being broke writing songs that were going nowhere, to traveling around the world writing for different artists on their projects to suddenly being in the spotlight myself singing about my broken heart every day,” she explains.

“Being on the road constantly, with people recognising me, having opinions about me

and connecting to my songs; it's insane, scary and unreal, but also amazing. No matter how demanding it gets, it’s all so fun and exciting that it doesn't ever really feel like work.” One of the most exhausting aspects of being a successful pop star can be adjusting to life on the road, but for Tove, touring is one of her favourite aspects of her new career. “Oh, I love touring!” she explains, “You get to live in a bubble, perform every night and feel the best adrenaline rush ever. You get to see new places, new faces – it's awesome!”

With a European tour to be announced imminently, fans can look forward to a series of incredible live shows this spring.

Tove the songwriter In addition to writing songs for herself, Tove has also established herself as a popular songwriter for other international performers, including The Saturdays,

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Tove Lo

Icona Pop, Girls Aloud, and Cher Lloyd.

There is never any confusion, however, as to which songs are for sale and which are to remain in the Tove Lo portfolio. “It's actually very easy to distinguish between songs I’m writing for me and songs for others,” she says. “Usually I have someone else in mind when I write for other projects, and when it's mine I always draw upon such personal material that I wouldn't be able to give it away. It was trickier back in the day when I was just a writer but I still refused to give up some of my songs because they were too personal to me.” It seems Tove harvests a lot of her material from her own life experiences; her emotions are her greatest artistic stimulation.

“Inspiration comes from my life. All my heartbreaks, mistakes, awesome nights, dark holes, the highs and the lows,” she explains. “I usually start with a theme or an idea for a lyric and then I sit at my piano and come up with chords and melodies I like, but I usually don't get anywhere until I know where I'm going with the story of the song.”

Tove harvests a lot of her material from her own life experiences; her emotions are her greatest artistic stimulation. “Inspiration comes from my life. All my heartbreaks, mistakes, awesome nights, dark holes, the highs and the lows,” she explains.

Not so picture-perfect The contemporary music scene is highly focused on the brand identity of musical artists; the image of an artist can be just like their sound, or different from it. Although Tove presents a very striking public persona to the world, it is important to her that her audience finds her accessible. “I guess I like being a little rough around the edges; a normal person with a lot to say. That is my image,” she suggests. “I don't want to be an unattainable pop star because I want people to be able to relate to me. I think it’s important not to be picture-perfect all of the time.”

Tove will not be resting on her laurels in the wake of her recent successes. When asked about her future ambitions, she quickly produces an impressive list: “To write an even stronger album, to make insane music videos, go on an epic world tour – and star in a movie.” With her attitude, talent and perseverance, there is no doubt that this wish list will soon become a checklist of new accomplishments.

Photo: Andrew Zaeh

See Tove: 11 June: Bonnaroo, Manchester, UK 13 August: Way Out West, Gothenburg, Sweden 15 August: Festival Helsinki, Finland European tour dates in April to be announced soon. Check out www.tove-lo.com for details

Photo: Johannes Helje

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Wedding Venue Feature

With its wooden beams, historic ambiance and large space, the 1877 granite barn is a popular venue for weddings of all sizes.

Tailor-made weddings in historic surroundings Historic romance, beautiful surroundings and a flexible setup make for a perfect wedding celebration at Sonnerupgaard Manor. Located in the heart of Zealand, the family-owned hotel and wedding venue offers guests the chance to tailor-make their wedding within the unique framework of a historic Danish manor house.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Sonnerupgaard Manor

Dating back to the 14th century, Sonnerupgaard Manor offers a historic setting for weddings of all sizes. Today, the manor’s white farm buildings include no less than four extraordinary function rooms, the largest of which is the rustic, romantic 1877 granite barn. Manager Anders Knudsen, who half a year ago took over the management of the hotel after his parents, explains: “The 1877 barn is our most popular venue.

It was built in 1877 and all of the original structure is preserved so you can still see the original beams and wooden roof. It’s really quite extraordinary – it’s probably the largest barn in all of Europe from that time.”

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The barn is approved for 1,000 people, but it is usually used for weddings of around 100200 guests. Guests also have exclusive access and usage of the surrounding green areas around the original moat and the adjoining park. For smaller parties, Sonnerupgaard Manor offers authentically elegant manor house surroundings in the main building, the cavalier wing and the old stable, all of which include outdoor terraces and beautiful park views.

Romance and convenience First mentioned in historic records from the 14th century, the original Sonnerup-

gaard Manor was burnt down (by a revengeful spurned housemaid), and so only the moat remains of the original construction. The current red-roofed farm buildings were constructed in the subsequent centuries, and in the 1970s parts of the old manor house were turned into a conference centre. In 1997, Knudsen’s parents took over the farm mainly for its extensive landholdings. Soon after, Knudsen’s mother Birgitte Israelsen began an extensive refurbishment and extension of the existing facilities. “Today we can offer a range of different settings for celebrations of everything between 30 and 400 people,” says Knudsen and adds: “All function rooms have their own adjoining kitchen facilities, and we don’t have our own chef, which means that our guests can choose a catering package of their own liking and budget. That provides a much more flexible framework, allowing

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Scan Magazine | Feature | Wedding Venue Feature

them to create exactly the party they want.” Surrounded by 200 hectares of land and 50 hectares of forest, Sonnerupgaard also offers ample possibilities for outdoor events. With flowers, small lakes and the original moat, the adjoining park offers a perfect backdrop for wedding photos, BBQ dinners and outdoor wedding ceremonies.

Party all night long Thanks to its peaceful location, Sonnerupgaard Manor is also a popular location for weekend getaways. The hotel offers accommodation for up to 160 people in individually decorated hotel rooms.

In connection with weddings and conferences, each function room has an allocated number of rooms. “The fact that we can provide on-site accommodation for

that many people is quite rare, and it means that people have a better and more carefree party. Guests do not have to worry about how they get home, and we don’t have a set closing hour,” says Knudsen. Another fact, which is also likely to advance the party mood, is that Sonnerupgaard Gods does not charge any corkage on wine or alcohol. “We try to keep it as simple and flexible as possible: the rent is what the rent is and then our guests can decide what kind of wedding they want, if the want a gourmet chef or just a basic catering service, and they don’t have to worry about extra charges for wine and so on. It’s completely up to them how much they want to spend,” stresses Knudsen and finishes: “We provide the surroundings – our guests create the party.”

Sonnerupgaard Manor is located by Hvalsø, between Roskilde and Holbæk, and is just minutes away from a direct railway line to Copenhagen.

The Manor offers four function rooms, the 1877 stable, the main building, the cavalier wing and the old horse stable, each offering different dimensions, styles and atmospheres.

Each function room has allocated hotel accommodation available for separate booking.

When you book a wedding venue at Sonnerupgaard Manor, tables, chairs, tableware and cleaning are all included. Tablecloths, decorations and food are not.

With its serene location and easy access Sonnerupgaard Manor is also popular for weekend getaways as well as conference and business meetings.

For more information, please visit: www.sonnerupgaard.dk or call 0045 4640 9531

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Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Lille Vildmose Visitor’s Centre / Hvolris Jernalderlandsby

Amoosement in the Danish wilderness Become one with nature and explore the Danish wilderness at Lille Vildmose Visitor’s Centre. Situated in Denmark’s largest protected area, the centre offers unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences of Danish nature.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Bo Gregersen

Just 30 km outside Aalborg, you find yourself surrounded by beautiful, untouched nature.

Lille Vildmose encompasses the biggest raised bog in North-Western Europe, as well as red deer, wild boar, white-tailed and golden eagles, and will soon also be home to moose.

“The lack of inhabitants means that we have the opportunity to re-establish original Danish nature in Lille Vildmose,” says Bo Gregersen, the director of the Visitor’s Centre.

The re-introduction of moose to the area in spring 2016 will play an integral part in the boggy environment, and they will work along-

side the current flora and fauna to sustain the local area. It is also a very exciting introduction as moose have not been a part of the Danish landscape for over 5,000 years. Now, the magnificent animal is returning home.

To get the best experience and understanding of the area, you need to head to the Visitor’s Centre, where helpful and knowledgeable staff will greet you, and help you make the most of your day. A typical day can include a guided tour of the area, watching wild boar being fed, playing on the natural playground, watching birds from a watchtower and visiting the nature workshop, where you can find out more about the local wildlife. “We want people to have fun and learn something, whilst being outside in the fresh air,” Gregersen explains. If you are looking to experience Denmark’s nature, Lille Vildmose Visitor’s Centre is an essential part of your journey.

For more information, please visit: www.lillevildmose.dk

Immerse yourself in history Denmark’s long history is about much more than the Vikings, as visitors to Hvolris Jernalderlandsby discover.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Hvolris Jernalderlandsby

When archaeologists discovered historic settlements dating back 6,000 years in the hills outside Viborg in Jutland, they decided to focus on the Iron Age findings. Today visitors to Hvolris Jernalderlandsby can experience what it was like for the people who lived in the Iron Age, 2,000 years ago.

It is an exceptional place: “It is very rare that you get permission to build right next to the archaeological findings,” explains manager Hanne Sørensen, “but at Hvolris you can visit the original sites and then experience what life was like in the Iron Age in the reconstruction, which has been established next to it.”

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Denmark was more like a developing country in those times, with people living very differently from the Romans, who existed at the same time. For Sørensen this message is key.

“The Iron Age has often had a difficult time getting recognition because our Vikings are so well-known, but this is a very important part of the country’s history,” she says.

At Hvolris there is an opportunity to immerse yourself completely in the lifestyle of the iron age. Families spend a week of their summer holiday living like the inhabitants of an Iron Age village. They wear the same clothes, use the same cooking methods and eat the same food.

It is an effective way of teaching children.

“When they immerse themselves like they do here, they remember what they learn much better than if they were reading in a book,” says Sørensen. “But you don’t have to live like those in the iron age. Visit Hvolris to learn a bit more about the history of Denmark while enjoying the beautiful area overlooking Skals Ådal.”

Visitors to Hvolris Jernalderlandsby can experience what life was like for people who lived in the Iron Age, 2,000 years ago.

Moreover, families can spend a week of their summer holiday living like the inhabitants of an Iron Age village.

For more information, please visit: www.hvolris.viborg.dk

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Scan Magazine | Culture Feature | Moesgaard

Moesgaard is a cultural and historical museum featuring archaeological and anthropological exhibitions – many of them staged and dramatised.

Cultural time travel Immerse yourself in culture and history at the rejuvenated Moesgaard Museum, just a short drive from the city of Aarhus.

By Tina Nielsen | Photos: Moesgaard Museum

Moesgaard, a cultural and historical museum featuring archaeological and anthropological exhibitions has existed since 1970, but last year a new exhibition building was inaugurated to kick off a new era.

The motivation behind the new building was to create a different kind of space allowing exhibitions to break the boundaries of what most people think of as traditional museum displays. The displays feature life-like reconstructions brought to life by the use of light, sound and technologies – such as animation.

communications and marketing manager.

“The aim is to feature exhibitions that will appeal to three generations: grandparents, parents and grandchildren, who can experience the museum together.”

“We wanted to put together staged and dramatised exhibition displays so that visitors can get closer to the past and the people who used the objects in the exhibitions,” says Bodil Jensen, the museum’s

Moesgaard Museum also hosts special international exhibitions every year. This year’s display opens on 1 April and will run until the end of September, and shows China’s terracotta army. Entitled

The permanent historical exhibitions on the Bronze Age, the Iron Age and the Vikings sit alongside the ethnographic exhibition entitled The Lives of the Dead, which gives visitors an opportunity to experience how people around the world remember the deceased.

The First Emperor – China’s Terracotta Army the display is unique and specially curated for Moesgaard. It is what Jensen calls “a blockbuster exhibition”: “We have selected more than 120 objects from different museums in China, some of which have never before been outside the country. This is a totally unique exhibition,” she says.

She highlights the location of the museum as a unique attribute, giving visitors a very holistic experience. “Visitors have an experience that includes culture, nature and architecture,” she explains.

“Our location is close to the forest and the water in beautiful scenery, and the new exhibition building, which sits alongside the old manor buildings, fits into the landscape naturally.”

For more information, please visit: www.moesgaardmuseum.dk

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The exterior of the building, which is designed by the well-known Austrian architecture firm COOP Himmelb(l)au, reflects its surroundings – yet its inside is full of surprises.

Cooking to the tune of great music Musikkens Hus in Aalborg offers not only world-class music and architecture, but thanks to Chef Mikael Kopp Christensen and his team, first-class food is also served.

Just like the concert house’s music schedule the menu has proved a hit with everyone from Royals to rock fans.

Before picking up the torch at Musikkens Spisehus, Christensen worked in several prominent restaurants, including Restaurant Lighthouse at the six-star Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, Svinkloev Badehotel and Brøndums Hotel in Skagen.

By Signe Hansen | Press Photos

Recognised Danish Chef Mikael Kopp Christensen and his team have set the bar high for the newly opened Musikkens Spisehus. The result, a simple and flexible Nordic gourmet menu, has already earned the restaurant several visits from the Danish Royal family, as well as delighted reviews from locals and concertgoers.

“Our kitchen’s philosophy fits really well with the platform of Musikkens Hus – we have sky-high ambitions for our food, and

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seven-course seasonal gourmet dinner with first-class wine; we want to make sure they both get a special experience.”

An extraordinary setting

I know that the same goes for the music,” says Christensen and adds: “People come in here with various expectations; one might just visit for a slice of cake and a nice cup of coffee while another wants a

Located on Aalborg harbour, Musikkens Spisehus offers guests fantastic views of the Limfjord. The exterior of the building, which is designed by the well-known Austrian architecture firm COOP Himmelb(l)au, reflects its surroundings yet its inside is full of surprises, something that can also be said about Christensen’s

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Musikkens Hus

menu. “We are happy to join in and take part in the many extraordinary aspects of this building, and we would like to match its astonishing architecture by giving our food an equally interesting edge. We use a lot of Nordic ingredients, but at the same time we are not dogmatic. If there is a really good Spanish ham that complements the Nordic kitchen, we do not find that less worthy of being on our menu – just as this house is not less worthy or interesting because it is built in a style that’s not typically Nordic,” stresses Christensen, who is local to the North Jutland region.

Reflecting the supply and recommendations from local purveyors, Musikkens Spisehus’s seasonal menu (two to four courses at 325DKK-445DKK) is changed every month while the special threecourse concert menu (325DKK) changes every week. Dishes include delicacies such as ceviche of locally caught cod with brown butter and soya and pine seeds; braised free-range pork with a puree of celeriac flavoured with cress; and warm almond cake with a variation of blackberries and liquorice. In between lunch and dinner, coffee and cake made by Cecilie Dolleris (the winner of the “Danish championship in chocolate”) is on the menu, and at weekends guests can enjoy a scrumptious brunch.

Facts about Musikkens Spisehus Musikkens Spisehus restaurant and cafe is located on the ground and first floor of Musikkens Hus and seats 150 people.

Onglet from Danish beef with salt-baked beets, black trumpets and crudité.

The kitchen caters for all sizes of parties and conferences, which can be accommodated in several of Musikkens Hus’ designated spaces, including an outdoor terrace perfect for BBQ or cocktails.

Musikkens Spisehus is open for lunch and dinner all weekdays, and open for brunch, lunch and dinner Saturday, and brunch and lunch Sunday.

For more information, please visit: www.musikkensspisehus.dk

Facts about Musikkens Hus Musikkens Hus’ largest concert hall seats 1,298; the smallest seats 300.

Grilled monkfish with fried broccoli crudités and aromatic herbs.

Pop, hip hop, opera and chamber music on the menu With an impressive music programme, including world famous classical musicians and orchestras as well as some of the biggest names in Danish hip hop, pop and rock, Musikkens Hus draws a large and diverse audience. The building also houses several of the region’s cultural institutions and hosts a range of family and children’s events. This means that Musikkens Spisehus caters for literally everyone, and that is, Christensen says, a great and exciting challenge.

Among the concert hall’s permanent residents are Aalborg symphony orchestra, Jutland’s Royal Academy of Music, Aalborg’s University’s musical studies, the centre for Jazz history and Musikkens Spisehus (restaurant).

Musikkens Hus opened in March 2014, after more than two decades of planning and fundraising.

Today, the nine-storey, 20,000 m2 architectural landmark on Aalborg’s new water front contains four concert halls, Musikkens Spisehus, educational and research facilities, and much more.

Concert Highlights

“It is incredibly challenging for my Head Chef Daniel Ditman and his kitchen staff to live up to everyone’s expectations, but we take pride in being able to read and meet the expectations of all our guests,” says Christensen and concludes: “As we are a brand new restaurant, we need to create our own identity through the food we serve and we want to set the bar really high and then keep striving to reach it.”

13/4 Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra 25/4 Claire Martin 9/6 Wiener Philharmonic Orchestra 24/9 Cecilia Bartoli For more information, please visit: www.musikkenshus.dk

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Ravintola Pastis

Authentic bistro-style decoration, tasty food and lively customers make visitors to Pastis forget that they are in Finland.

Experience a slice of France in the heart of Helsinki Modeled on a classic Parisian bistro, restaurant Pastis stands out in a city that takes food seriously – offering cuisine by a celebrated Finnish chef, paired with wine chosen by an award-winning sommelier.

By Sanna Halmekoski | Photos: Restaurant Pastis

Pastis is situated centrally in Punavuori, a bohemian district popular among artists and creatives. The restaurant opened just two years ago and immediately gained an extensive clientele due not only to its cuisine, but also its captivating ambiance and welcoming service.

By day, Pastis is a popular business lunch destination and also caters to lone diners in its cosy bar area. By night, its bustling environs are enhanced by special events, such as evenings featuring live French chanson music. There is no need, however, for special events nights at Pastis in order to transport the diner to France. On regular à la carte evenings, French music serves as the atmospheric soundtrack to your dinner. Authentic bistro-style decoration, tasty food and

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lively customers make visitors forget that they are in Finland.

Executive Chef and owner Timo Linnamäki, whom everyone calls “Sir Lintsi" says: “Our philosophy is to offer a fun, friendly service. We are not fine dining.

The food is pretty rustic French food made out of quality fresh ingredients. You cannot get closer to a Parisian Bistro in Finland than us.” His love for French food started in southern Germany, where he worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant not far from France’s Alsace region.

“Big wonderful snails from Burgundy are one of the most popular items on the menu. We always serve a grilled or fried whole fish, which also looks great on a plate. As for dessert you can never go

wrong with crème brûlée,” adds Linnamäki. He started the restaurant with two friends and ex colleagues, Chef Henri Alén and sommelier Samuil Angelov. The latter, who has won the Finnish Master Sommelier competition three times, also runs popular French Wine for Dummies events at Pastis, featuring wines from different regions paired with a three-course meal.

The restaurant’s extensive wine collection constantly grows with new additions from small European wineries. It is not the only selection that the owners are proud of, Linnamäki mentions. ”Don’t forget to try out one of our six different artisan varieties of Pastis, a fresh aperitif which is traditionally served at lunch in France.”

Given the restaurant’s popularity, reservations are recommended.

For more information, please visit: www.pastis.fi

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Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | TotallySwedish

Photo: Carina Gran

“TotallySwedish is a food store, but at the same time we're so much more than that,” says owner and founder Annethe.

TotallySwedish and absolutely amazing In a small, newly decorated shop in central London the shelves and walls are filled to the very brim with Swedish delicacies and goodies: food, gifts, traditional souvenirs and snaps (of course). No matter what Swedish goods your heart desires, TotallySwedish are happy to fulfil your needs.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Monika Agorelius

The TotallySwedish store at 32 Crawford Street, perfectly situated between the Swedish Church and Swedish Embassy, is so newly renovated that you still can smell the paint from the walls. Ending the Christmas hysteria with a complete renovation makes for a clean slate and fresh start to what is going to be yet another successful year gearing up for Easter, a holiday filled with traditional food such as gravlax, children's sweets in pretty painted paper eggs, colourful feathers, witches and other typical Swedish Easter decorations.

Activity is high as customers come in to explore the mouth-watering foods and Swedish design items. “TotallySwedish is a food store, but at the same time we're so

much more than that,” says owner and founder Annethe Nathan as a group of excited customers enters the store. “It’s more like a Swedish experience, recognition and exploration. People come in wanting to learn about Swedish traditions, or recommendations on what to cook if you want to treat someone to a Swedish feast.”

TotallySwedish on Crawford Street celebrates its ten-year anniversary this year. A couple of years ago they opened a second store at 66 Barnes High Street, near the Swedish School, and their online store is working hard to provide the rest of the UK with whatever might tickle their fancy. “It’s fun to see that we have regulars online as well,” Nathan says with a smile. “Many of

the customers we used to see in the shops on a regular basis are now our most loyal online buyers. We pride ourselves on fast deliveries and it is so much fun being able to help people when they are unable to come see us in our stores.”

With their stock of Swedish awesomeness and a burning desire to help, explain and introduce people to the traditions and flavours Sweden has to offer, Nathan and her TotallySwedish team are looking forward to a busy year which includes introducing new deli products. “We will never stop bringing in new and exciting products,” Nathan assures, determined to keep TotallySwedish within the lines which have made it such a success; the small shop with the big range.

For more information, please visit: www.totallyswedish.com

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Top Three Dining Experiences in Helsinki

Easily accessible by foot from anywhere in the centre, Gastrobar Emo is a great choice for diners looking to leisurely enjoy a four-course dinner, as well as for those simply wanting to rest their feet with a good glass of wine at the bar.

Young at heart Gastrobar Emo opened its doors in August 2013 and is the brain child of Pekka Terävä, the man behind the Michelin star restaurant Olo. Quite the vivacious youngster, Emo is quickly gaining a reputation for its excellent flavours yet relaxed atmosphere.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Gastrobar EMO

The location of this vibrant Gastrobar could not be more central. Easily accessible by foot from anywhere in the centre, this is a great choice for diners looking to leisurely enjoy a four-course dinner, as well as for those simply wanting to rest their feet with a good glass of wine at the bar. “Emo is an easily accessible option for everyone, and a restaurant that offers a high level of flavours for all wallets, without losing any of the high quality,” says Ida-Maria Huuhtanen, restaurant manager and restauranteur.

The head of the kitchen, Ilkka Lääveri, invites the diner to a flavoursome tour around Central Europe. Lääveri insists that the kitchen should source the best small

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producers and farms in Europe in order to find the highest quality products for their Central European-inspired dishes. Lääveri also points out that much of the fresh produce is locally sourced as well. The best of both worlds, in other words.

Emo is constantly staying on par with new culinary developments, evident in its many collaborations and campaigns. On 19 March the whole world is celebrating French gastronomy through Goût de / Good France and Emo is, in collaboration with the French Embassy to Finland, participating by serving their interpretation of French cuisine on this one day.

Only five Finnish restaurants were selected to take part in this exclusive event,

and to be one of them is quite an achievement for such a young restaurant.

The French gastronomy day is just one of several activities of the restaurant. Huuhtanen also reveals that “Riesling enthusiasts will be happy to know that Emo will be participating in the Riesling weeks in May.” An opportunity for diners to enjoy a culinary experience built around certain Riesling wines, aiming to bring out the outstanding flavours of both food and wine.

It is easy to understand why Huuhtanen speaks so enthusiastically about the “young and active restaurant”. There is clearly something special about this one, and we can’t wait to hear what they are up to next.

For more information, please visit: www.emo-ravintola.fi

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Top Three Dining Experiences in Helsinki

Offering Asian fusion cuisine, mixing traditional Asian cooking with delicacies from around the world, Yume represents an exclusive international dining experience.

Grace upgraded What happens when you take something great, and make it even better? You may want to go to Helsinki to find out for yourself.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Restaurant Yume

This May one of the most exclusive restaurants in Helsinki, Yume, will be improved to a state of perfection. The restaurant is already considered to be a top choice for Asian flavours, and it’s about to get even better.

Yume is a part of the high-end hotel group Kämp, the grande dame of hotels in Helsinki. The General Manager of Kämp, Marc Skvorc, tells us that both the hotel and restaurant will be experiencing “a subtle yet significant overhaul, where no details will be spared.” While the food will remain Asian, the aim is to mix delicacies from the different regions – making the menu Asian fusion, in short. The overhaul will also extend to the style of service, which will be less traditional, with smaller dishes that guests can share in order to

make the dining experience ”more social and international,” as Skvorc puts it.

Guests at Yume will also be able to stop by solely for a drink and snack, if they wish, as the restaurant overhaul will also include a new lounge area designed for this specific purpose. Skvorc is clearly excited about the new developments. “I feel very privileged to be able to execute them,” he states.

The re-vamp extends to scents and music as well, which will both be customised to fit the new concept. As they say, God is in the details. While both Yume and hotel Kämp are indeed being enhanced to a point of excellence, this is clearly done with integrity and class. There is a lack of pretentiousness which makes it all the more charming.

“I hope the new Yume will offer customers an international vibe and exciting flavours unlike any Helsinki has experienced so far,” says Skvorc. It is evident that he is very invested in the project, which is good news for diners. Because, as everyone knows, it is the projects executed with a loving touch that make for exceptional results.

In other words, if you’re looking for perfection, Yume is your destination.

For more information, please visit: www.ravintolayume.fi

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Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Top Three Dining Experiences in Helsinki

Happy go lucky, Helsinki style Last year, a cool and vibrant culinary hot spot opened its doors in Helsinki, and it is quickly becoming an integral part of the hip Helsinki restaurant scene.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Sinne

”I would characterise Sinne as a restaurant with a laidback atmosphere but with guaranteed high-quality food,” Lauri Vainio, Managing Partner, tells us.

The restaurant, which is open all day, is situated in the centre of Helsinki and is split into two parts. One is a deli part which is designed for more spontaneous guests, where you can stop by for dinner without a reservation. The second is a more refined part, which is de-

signed for those with a reservation and who are perhaps looking to enjoy a more leisurely meal.

Both areas offer the customers the same menu, with a focus on “fresh and clean flavours”, as Vainio describes it. While Sinne aims to use as much locally produced food as possible, they don’t shy away from using more exotic ingredients either.

The aim is to offer high quality food in generous portions. “We are not aiming to be a fine

Sinne is situated in the middle of Helsinki and offers a deli section as well as a refined dining section.

dining restaurant. The portions are large and the atmosphere is relaxed,” Vainio emphasises.

“Sinne will be keeping the doors open all summer, and will also be offering customers the option of buying a picnic basket with carefully selected delicacies, which customers can take with them and enjoy outdoors,” Vainio enthusiastically informs us.

Delicious and hearty food in a hip and laid back atmosphere. What’s not to love?

For more information, please visit: www.sinnehelsinki.fi

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Welcome to Sweden!

And thank you for choosing to come here. Traveling is not only nice, it’s also a way to grow as a human being. By exposing your brain to new impressions you are compelled to think new thoughts and be inspired by others.

By Alice Bah Kuhnke, Minister of Culture and Democracy (MP), Sweden | Translated by Julie Lindén

Traveling can also be a way to challenge a preconceived image of the country or place you are visiting. You can do this by visiting places other than what is first shown in the guide book that may be in your bag.

A precondition for the Swedish society’s evolution over the centuries has been open societies. For many, as for me, tolerance, openness and solidarity with other people are the best things about being Swedish.

In a time when right-wing extremist forces are spreading throughout many other European countries, our country holds a wide support for all people’s equal worth.

Sweden is not just an elongated country in the north of Europe, it is also a country welcoming those fleeing from their homes. The Swedish people’s understanding and openness for people who come here is amongst the highest measured in the world, and the benevolence has risen constantly during the time this has been studied. There is nothing I am more proud of than this fact.

As the Minister for Culture and Democracy I would like to give you some tips on places to visit in order to enjoy a greater view of Sweden than that which is typically narrated of Vikings, ABBA and beautiful, blonde women.

Just a few streets below the Royal Palace you will find the Living History Museum.

Students and teachers from all over the country come here to learn more about the Holocaust and communist crimes against humanity. Now, for instance, the museum is showing the exhibition We are Roma – meet the people behind the myth, which is based on interviews, photos and films made with or by people of Roma origin in Sweden. Here you can learn about 500 years of exclusion, nomadism, ac-

tivism, joyfulness, tradition, music and hopes for the future.

At the Jewish Museum in Stockholm you will find many fascinating stories of how the Jewish national minority have played a part in building the fantastic Sweden we have today. Many Swedish-Jewish philanthropists played an important role in Swedish cultural life, for instance in the founding of the Concert Hall and through their support for famous Swedish artists.

Public Transport, SL, arranges guided Art Walks of the works. As a bonus you get to see many more and very exciting parts of Stockholm than the city core alone.

Sweden’s strength lies in a history of diversity. I hope you get to experience and take part in it during your stay.

Welcome, wherever you come from!

A very important part of Sweden is the Sami indigenous people. In the northern city Jokkmokk you may not only see the beautiful Northern Lights and visit Laponia. You can also learn about Sami history at the museum ‘Ájtte’. It is a shattering story of both exclusion and pride.

Sweden is a multicultural society where people of different cultures and identities meet to build an even stronger society together. To learn more about this I recommend a visit to one of our Museums of World Culture, in Gothenburg and Stockholm.

Stockholm Metro is a 100 station long artthemed journey where each station has been decorated by one or more artists. Stockholm

Alice Bah Kuhnke, Minister of Culture and Democracy (MP), Sweden Photo: Kristian Pohl, Regeringskansliet

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Photo: Ola Ericson

Photo: Simon Paulin

Photo: Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz

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Photo: Kevin Kee Pil Cho

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S CU PEC LT UR IAL T E I HE N S ME WE : DE N

Photo: Miriam Preis

Culture, heritage and arts in Sweden Sweden is an elongated country with many cultural events, historical sites, museums, art galleries, concert and theatre venues. Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö are filled with culture, heritage and arts events, but there are other fantastic places in the country to see Sweden’s past and present.

By Anna Hjerdin, Communications Manager, Visit Sweden | Photos: Imagebank.sweden.se

But let’s start with the Swedish cities.

For music fans it's a must to visit the ABBA museum or take the ABBA City Walk in Stockholm. Stockholm is also home of the world-renowned Vasa museum and lovely outdoor museum Skansen. If you love photography then be sure not to miss Fotografiska during your visit to the capital.

The highlight of the cultural year in Gothenburg is the Gothenburg Culture Festival in August, and for music fans August is also the month for the Way out West festival in the city. For architectural history and delicious west coast seafood make sure you visit the Feskekörka (the

Fish Church). This fantastic church-like building has the best seafood in Gothenburg at its fish market and restaurants.

If you are a fan of crime fiction, travel north from Gothenburg to Fjällbacka – the setting for Camilla Läckberg’s crime novels. Nearby you can visit Tanum UNESCO World Heritage site and see brilliantly coloured rock paintings and carvings from 3,000 years ago.

If you have time for more festivals, head further south to Malmö where the Malmö Festival takes place in August. The rest of the year there is also plenty to do, for instance at the Malmö Opera and Music

Theatre, as well as Moderna Museet, housed in a disused power station and exhibiting prominent contemporary international works of art. As for film fans, you can join a tour to see the locations where the TV series The Bridge was filmed.

Outside the main cities there is also plenty to do and see. Why not live like a Viking on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, or visit the numerous wonderful castles and manor houses in Skåne. Or, head north into Swedish Lapland to meet the Sami people.

Photo: Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz

For more information, please visit: www.visitsweden.com

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Grand welcome A scenic view welcomes you to Karlskrona if you arrive with ferry or cruise ship; the two outstanding fortifications of Kungsholm Fortress and Drottningskär Citadel guarding each side of the entrance to the city. Both part of the World Heritage.

300 years of naval history Inside the guarded fences of Sweden`s main naval base lies the Old Naval Ship Yard, exhibiting 300 years of naval history.

Join one of our guided tours available through the Tourist Office.

A World Heritage city In 1680, king Charles ordered the construction of the city as Sweden´s naval base, due to its location.The naval presence has ensured distinctive architectural qualities, and UNESCO has named Karlskrona a World Heritage city.

Naval Museum Our most visited attraction and a must see! The sensational new Submarine Hall opened June 2014. A perfect combination of Swedish Naval history and Cold War experience.

WORLD C

The city center of Karlskrona is located on the main island of Trossö, 6 km out in the archipelago – much like Venice.

Another Mediterranean touch is the hours of sunshine per year. Karlskrona was Sweden`sunniest city 2012 and 2013.

HAPPIEND

Curious?

1650 islands

Scan the QR-code and enjoy our aerial movie!

and skerries make out Sweden´s southernmost archipelago.

So swedish The island of Brändaholm is often marketed as an image of Sweden: small, red cottages with white window panes and swedish flags waving in the wind. A definite picture point!

Knock yourself out In addition to world class cultural experiences, Karlskrona has plenty to offer if you seek adventure; some of the best fishing waters in the world, great places for kayaking and excellent trekking and bicycle opportunities.

LASS

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ARCHIPELAGO

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

The Swedish History Museum: One of the finest institutions in Sweden were visitors can enjoy a wide range of historical exhibitions and experiences.

The Vikings occupying the Swedish History Museum The Swedish History Museum is packed with history from as far back into prehistory as we can go. Their flagship and the most talked about exhibition is Vikings. This exciting and rich display is sure to stun and amaze visitors with thorough research, interpreted original material and knowledgeable staff. Encounter the most amazing artefacts and lose yourself in stories about the past and the people who walked the earth long before we did.

Vikings the travels were actually made for trading and exploration purposes. A lot of the findings made from this era originate from all over the world but have ended up in Sweden thanks to these exploration trips.”

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Katarina Nimmervoll

A bottomless pool of knowledge

The myth of the Viking is one of the largest relating to Scandinavia, and as a symbol for the people of the North it is unprecedented. But what do we really know about them? “What we know to be facts about the Vikings and what we show in our exhibition differs quite substantially from people’s general perception of our ancestors,” says Sophie Nyman, Department Manager at the Swedish History Museum.

The Vikings, as the greater masses may picture them, were large people dressed in furry clothing, always clutching a pint of

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mead in one hand, sword in the other and bearing a horned helmet on top of their plaited hair. “In fact, Vikings weren’t out sailing, fighting and plundering most of the time,” Nyman says. “Much of their lives was dedicated to handling their houses, taking care of their families, trading, dealing and trying to live a God-fearing life to the best of their capabilities. Of course the exploration trips happened frequently, but they were far from constant, and even though plundering and raging has been a part of the bloody history of the

The Swedish History Museum in Stockholm is one of the finest and most appreciated institutions in Sweden. The various exhibitions always amaze the guests, granting them access to some of the largest collections of prehistoric objects in Europe. The staff functions as a bottomless pool of knowledge and dedication to history, education and storytelling. “Every era is full of stories,” Nyman explains, “and we work towards depicting as many of them through illustrated stories as we possibly can. We make it more than just a ‘show and tell’. People get to know history

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

based on the facts, characteristics and lifestyles we’ve been able to determine through research and discoveries. It makes for a great and entertaining learning experience.”

Another thing that makes The Swedish History Museum a special all-round experience is the thought process a visit provokes and the reflections it awakens.

“It is quite easy to make the connection between modern life and the stories that we present to our visitors, for instance through existential issues and recognition,” Nyman explains. An important part of the experience is the discussions between visitors after a tour. The Museum’s restaurant and café are always buzzing with people debating and talking about what they’ve experienced and learned.

People are stunned by the likeness in societies and life-controlling elements, like money and governance, there is between how prehistoric people went about their lives, and how we live today. “They are pretty awesome realisations for anyone who is open to them,” Nyman adds.

RIGHT:The Stockholm exhibition prides itself on displaying over 4,000 different objects.

ous languages is available. During the summer months, Viking-themed family activities are held in one of the museum’s courtyards. Visitors are here offered to try out things such as archery, bread-making, rune stone fortune telling and much, much more.

something magical about the objects in the exhibition,” Nyman concludes. “The exclusive and original discoveries in combination with the research, presentation and dedication of the staff, makes Vikings and our other exhibitions something people will never forget.”

A success saga tours the world In 2012 Vikings started touring the world with a version of the Stockholm success saga. Now the touring exhibition has got a twin, and together they have attracted over 600,000 visitors worldwide. “The international interest in Vikings stems from the myths surrounding them,” says Nyman. “The permanent exhibition in Stockholm is the biggest Viking exhibition in the world, with over 4,000 objects on display, but the touring ones are not small either.” Covering around 1,000 square metres each, the touring Viking exhibitions – right now visiting Chicago, USA and Schallaburg, Austria – are displaying roughly 500 original items in both locations.

But the touring exhibitions aren’t the only ones attracting an international crowd.

Roughly 55 per cent of the Viking visitors in Stockholm are international. The exhibition therefore caters to the needs of non-Swedish speakers. Everything down to the smallest of signs is translated into English, and equipment for tours in vari-

There really is no reason not to spend a day in the Viking’s footsteps at the Swedish History Museum. “There is

For more information, please visit: www.historiska.se/home

Children dressed as Vikings during the popular Viking Summers, offering exciting experiences and activities for young and old. Photo: Jonas Berggren

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Färgfabriken exhibits a mixture of contemporary art and architecture relating to social issues and urban developments. Main photo: Photo: Äke E-sson Lindman

Where art meets architecture and urban developments Combining architecture with art seems to be a winning concept, at least when Färgfabriken is calling the shots. Putting the two together has already provided Sweden with some of the most appreciated exhibitions in recent times. Along with a passion for urban developments, Färgfabriken proves that both art and architecture can make a difference in people’s lives.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Emilia Rosenqvist

“We are more than just an exhibition venue,” says Emilia Rosenqvist, project manager at Färgfabriken, which was founded by the Swedish Architect’s Foundation in 1995. “We fill a void,” Rosenqvist continues. “We exhibit a mixture of contemporary art and architecture relating to social issues and urban developments, which is a unique twist.”

In 2010, Färgfabriken initiated the international programme New Urban Topologies (NUT) to create open and free meetings focusing on the exchange between different developing cities, cultures and stakeholders. “It is a project which enables governments and decision makers to meet with local artists, architects, NGOs, activists and students on a democratic platform for urban development. With their combined skills and expertise they can then build a functioning urban environment making local life a little easier.”

In 2011, NUT went to Indonesia. “It was an extremely rewarding experience where we got to meet a lot of exciting and talented artists. Among them Heri Dono, who we are thrilled to welcome to Färgfabriken this spring,” Rosenqvist says. “His upcoming exhibition will be an extraordinary visual experience: his moving sculptures

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draw inspiration from both traditional Indonesian Shadow Puppets and animated cartoons, combined with a humouristic tone.” Dono’s art is made of countless layers of expressions, opinions and visually appealing features. “While visually appealing and entertaining, there is a lot of context added to his work,” Rosenqvist explains. “Through large portions of humour, Dono delivers sharp societal criticism.”

For anyone the least interested in art or contemporary world culture this will be a clear ‘don’t miss’. “The art speaks for itself,” Rosenqvist promises, assuring that even people who are not deeply invested in the social and urban developments of Indonesia will still be able to enjoy the exhibition thoroughly. “However, the art can be put into greater context and get a deeper meaning if people are open to learn a little about the democratic developments of the region.”

Heri Dono exhibits at Färgfabriken on 28 March – 28 June For more information, please visit: www.fargfabriken.se

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Polar expeditions and adventures in Grenna On 11 July, 1897, the gas balloon Eagle took off. On board were Salomon August Andrée, Nils Strindberg and Knut Fraenkel, embarking on a journey to explore and map down the northernmost polar region. They never made it past the North Pole and were found 33 years later on the White Island. At Grenna Museum you can follow their thrilling and tragic journey through diary entries, other extraordinary findings and much more.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Grenna Museum – Polarcenter

“We’re a fascinating combination of history and modern research,” says Håkan Jörikson, Museum Director. The museum presents a polarhistorical focus, where visitors can inspect amazing finds from various expeditions, like equipment from Otto Nordenskjöld who led the first Swedish Antarctic expedition in 1901-1904 as well as Ernest Shackleton’s private photo albums with astonishing images of the sinking ship Endurance.

Grenna Museum has Sweden’s largest polar-historical collection and is now in the process of expanding even further. The museum will in the future span over 1,000 sqm, and interactive stations will add to the experience. Visitors will for example be able to explore the island from where the famous Andrée

expedition started, and the White Island where the adventurers where found dead in 1930.

New for this year is the temporary exhibition with Axel Stake’s photographs of the Andrée expedition, taken 1896 and 97. The pictures were meant for commemorative purposes but were never published and were presumed lost until recently found in the archives of Grenna Museum. “It’s both comical and slightly embarrassing,” laughs Jörikson. “We had them right here all along without knowing!”

A visit to Grenna Museum is informative, thought-provoking and entertaining. “We want people to leave us filled with new knowledge and ideas about nature, culture, history and last but not least, a sense of adventure,” says Jörikson.

The construction of the gas balloon house, from the material of Axel Stake.

For more information, please visit: www.grennamuseum.se

Sweden’s Air Force Museum – taking families to new heights Flygvapenmuseum (The Swedish Air Force Museum) is a place that delights the entire family and lets them explore technical master pieces as well as one of Scandinavia’s most important industries; one which on more than one occasion has changed the course of history. One might think a museum focusing on military aviation machines and techniques is something that appeals to a niched crowd, already inaugurated into the ins and outs of Swedish Air Force history. One would be mistaken.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Swedish Air Force Museum

“Flygvapenmuseum is interesting, fun and rewarding for everyone regardless of qualifications, age and interests,” says Veronika Baumgardt, Education Officer at Flygvapenmuseum.

“We welcome everyone – families, aviation experts, young and old.”

The museum’s extensive collection of objects includes aircraft, engines, instruments, uniforms and other articles used in military aviation. The broad programme, and the unexpected experiences created by the fascinating exhibitions, attract thousands of visitors each year. “We take pride in putting the technical aviation development in a cultural context so that everyone can relate to it with ease, no matter their pre-qualifications or background knowledge,” explains Baumgardt. “We open

their eyes to the connection between technical evolution and social developments, which is always thought-provoking.”

Families are highly prioritised at Flygvapenmuseum. “We are really keen to enable the entire family to come and explore and have fun with us,” says Baumgardt. “Even the youngest ones enjoy our exhibitions together with our mascots Drakel and Viggo, and the slightly older children absolutely adore experimenting in our science centre – The Flight Lab.” The truth is, Flygvapenmuseum is a great experience for everyone. The historical implications attract an older audience and the fun and exciting features help teach and stimulate kids through many interesting objects and activities.

For more information, please visit: www.flygvapenmuseum.se/en

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Velociraptor from the exhibition Fossil and Evolution. Photo: Simon Stålenhag

The Dinosaurs are back!

It’s finally time for the Swedish Museum of Natural History’s most popular exhibition to once again open its doors for curious visitors of all ages. On 31 March 2015, Fossils and Evolution will exhibit the marvellous wonders of how everything came to be and how all things living have come and gone throughout the history of planet Earth.

and fossils than ever before. Science has never been presented like this, ensuring all visitors a deeper and vaster knowledge about the history of life.

By Astrid Eriksson | Press photos

For children – but not childish

Would you like to know more about the history of all living things on this planet?

Are you curious about how it all came to be what it is today, how evolution has shaped our history? If dinosaurs, plants and birds are your cup of tea, then you must make sure to visit the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm after 31 March this year. The exhibition Fossils and Evolution teaches visitors that evolution is all about adaptation – the key to the survival of everything, rather than species developing into something better.

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The new exhibition is based on the previous success 4 ½ Billion Years – The history of Life and Earth, which closed last year.

With a big focus on dinosaurs, the previous exhibition wowed and stunned the crowds through its thorough presentation of the planet, starting 4 ½ billion years ago and ending 65 million years ago when the majority of dinosaurs were extinct.

The new exhibition keeps the successful focus on the giant creatures that ruled the world so many years ago, but in addition there are far more exhibited objects

The Swedish Museum of Natural History prides itself on taking a proactive approach to education, reaching out to schools with ready-made teaching plans and guiding around 10 classes of school children around the museum every day.

On site, it is the concreteness of the museum’s resources that has the greatest impact and leaves the longest-lasting impression. “Many of the museum’s 10 million collectibles are on display here – no nature documentary on TV can beat that,” says Martin Testorf, communications director of the museum. “The excitement of

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the children who come here is palpable as they run up to different items and start touching and getting close, looking at them.”

Indeed, what the museum does best, according to one review, is targeting children without being childish. This hits the nail on the head, according to Testorf. Yet the exhibitions suit visitors of all ages, science novices as well as those with advanced knowledge of the subjects explored. And as everyone can learn something new and get something out of the displays, the whole family can enjoy them together – another important strength.

world like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Over 9,000 species live in this South American island, surrounded by myths and legends, and in this exclusive and dramatic film audiences visit fearless creatures in their own arena. The film will educate and inform while Cosmonova’s surround experience and 3D effects will leave you dazed and amazed.

Nearly 250,000 people visit exotic environments and places through Cosmonova, Sweden’s largest dome cinema, each year. Surrounded by sounds and visuals on the 760 sqm big screen, visitors experience the world’s largest film format as well as the biggest 3D adventure in Sweden.

wide range of Swedish animals including arctic foxes, moose and seals, each display telling its own story. But that is far from it. A Souvenir For Life covers the horrors and risks of illegal hunting and trading of species under threat; Life in Water tells of habitats from the open sea, streams and under your own dock; Mission: Climate Earth discusses and presents experience and knowledge about the future climate and its consequences. This and much, much more to be experienced at the eminent museum.

No matter who you are and what your specific interest is, there is something here to tickle your fancy.

With stunning collections, fantastic research and amazing exhibitions, a visit to the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm is always worthwhile.

Head over to Galapagos for an unimaginable experience

A centre of knowledge like no other

Another new feature for this year is the epic 3D adventure Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland. This David Attenborough film explores the exciting and untouched Galapagos in the dome IMAX cinema Cosmonova. Surround yourself with visual delights and let Attenborough take you to a

The Swedish Museum of Natural History aims to educate and enhance people’s knowledge of natural life in order to inspire positive reasoning towards science and taking better care of our planet.

Among the ten permanent exhibitions you’ll find Swedish Nature, showcasing a

Skull of T-rex. Photo: Staffan Waerndt

T-rex from the exhibition Fossils and Evolution. Photo: Simon Stålenhag

Pink iguana featured in the film Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland. Photo: Colossus Productions / nWave Pictures

Silur from the exhibition Fossils and Evolution. Photo: Annica Roos

For more information, please visit: www.nrm.se

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Moderna Museet Moderna Museet (The Modern Museum) has one of the world’s finest collections of 20th and 21st century art. The photography collection goes back as far as 1840. Moderna Museet is commissioned to collect, preserve, exhibit and organise learning activities relating to all forms of 20th and 21st century art.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Moderna Museet

Andy Warhol famously said “in the future, everybody will be famous for fifteen minutes.” Few people know that it was at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, 1968, that he spoke those well-known words. Today, many people associate this museum with one of Europe’s most prominent collections of modern and contemporary art from the early 1900s to the present time.

Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Louise Bourgeois, Niki de Saint Phalle and Andy Warhol are just a few of the world-famous creators whose works are displayed in the halls of Moderna Museet.

Situated in the middle of Stockholm, Moderna Museet offers not only stunning art, but a first-class restaurant providing a lush view of the sea. The museum’s great

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gift shop offers both books and original products, like the famous Andy Warhol posters. Yet, the most fantastic part of the museum is – of course – the art. Modern, contemporary and fierce, Moderna Museet showcases art at its finest.

“We offer many varied exhibitions, with many extremely knowledgeable guides to accompany guests,” says Cecilia von Schantz, Head of Communications at Moderna Museet. “Our eminent guides help put the art into a broader context, translating what sometimes can be hard to grasp, so that the full experience can be enjoyed, regardless of previous knowledge. We have a rich programme of activities where questions surrounding art are constantly discussed, and in addition,

most exhibitions are usually inaugurated in conversation with the artist, where they can present their art, the process as well as their thoughts behind it. One should never forget that experiencing art is completely subjective and there are no rights or wrongs. That’s what’s so great about art. It can mean different things to each and every one experiencing it.”

This is what Moderna Museet does best: showcasing the individuality and uniqueness of the art world. No item is like another and the creators are usually just as extraordinary as their works. One of the current exhibitions displays art by the fascinating artist Louise Bourgeois. Her artisanship spans more than 70 years and outside the museum you’ll find a grand and glorious spider statue that she created at the age of 90. “What a woman!” von Schantz exclaims.

For more information, please visit: www.modernamuseet.se

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The Royal palaces Drottningholm, Gripsholm and Strömsholm are this year celebrating Queen Regent Hedvig Eleonora with a themed year dedicated to the greatness of the Swedish baroque.

Hedvig Eleonora – the Queen of the Swedish baroque culture This year marks the 300th anniversary of the death of the Swedish Queen Hedvig Eleonora. To honour her and her legacy, the Royal palaces Drottningholm, Gripsholm and Strömsholm will be focusing on the Swedish baroque era, through exhibitions, concerts, lectures and much more. There is a lot to be experienced for anyone interested in Scandinavia’s history, cultural legacies and Royal traditions.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Gomer Swahn

“Queen Hedvig Eleonora might be fairly unknown to the larger masses,” says Helena Chreisti, curator at Drottningholm’s Palace Administration. “But in fact, she was a woman who deserves a lot of recognition.” During 60 years, at a time when Sweden held superpower status, she ruled the nation and turned it into one with rich cultural traditions in both art, architecture and nature. “When it comes to our cultural heritage from the baroque era, we have her to thank for a lot.”

The Royal palaces Drottningholm, Gripsholm and Strömsholm are now celebrating this great Queen Regent with a themed year dedicated to the greatness of the Swedish baroque. At Strömholms Palace, the importance of the horse and

riding in Royal culture and baroque life is presented through an array of activities and displays. At Gripsholm’s Castle, fabrics and textiles are in focus, and at the Grand Palace Drottningholm, in close proximity to central Stockholm, people can enjoy exhibitions throughout the entire venue. “Queen Hedvig Eleonora was the developer of the palace and she created the lush baroque garden, which is still visited all year around,” says Chreisti.

Drottningholm’s palace is sure to wow and amaze visitors from all corners of the world. In the grand stairwells of Sweden’s first World Heritage site (named in 1991), an exquisite tulip exhibition will be a visual delight and provide the halls with their gorgeous scent. This and much more will be offered at the royal castles in 2015.

“We really hope to further introduce Queen Hedvig Eleonora as an historic person, and to highlight the baroque era, when Sweden was at its most powerful,” Chreisti says. “The themed year is – and will continue being – an extraordinary experience. To get to work with the late Queen Regent and honour her cultural legacy is a true privilege.”

Dates for your diary: Drottningholm’s Palace Gardens and Nature in Court culture: 30 April 2015 – 6 January 2016 Drottningholm’s Palace Flower Exhibition: 30 April – 3 May 2015 Gripsholm’s Castle Talking Textile: 14 May 2015 – 6 January 2016 Strömsholm’s Palace Horsemanship and Princes: 30 May – 31 August 2015 For more information, please visit: www.kungahuset.se

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About 10 kilometres east of Katrineholm, you will find Ericsberg’s Castle, a historic monument of the greatness of the Swedish baroque era. The castle’s baroque garden park dates back to the 1600s. Photo: Ericsbergs Slott.

Katrineholm – where castles and mansions are enthroned Despite being a relatively small town, Katrineholm is rich in both culture and history.

For cultural indulgence, visitors can this year enjoy a week-long festival celebrating its 30th birthday: countless musical performances and concerts as well as street art and installations throughout the town. There is however one line of culture that Katrineholm prides itself on a little extra: namely being the home of castles and mansions, where large parts of Swedish history and cultural traditions are kept alive.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Photo: Peter Segemark

Indeed, a lot of culture runs through the very essence of Katrineholm. Big on art, the town makes sure to always have something on offer to tickle the art connoisseur’s fancy. In various exhibition rooms and venues, art, installations and projects are on constant display, and in the town centre art shines a light with its exciting presence. “We want the art to be accessible to everyone and relevant to anyone,” says Victoria Freberg, project manager at KVF Marketing in Katrineholm. “That’s why we do guided tours with

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different themes, suitable for various age groups – so that everybody can feel like there’s something there for them to experience.”

With frequent music performances and an active theatre scene, culture is undoubtedly big in Katrineholm, but there is one kind of culture towering high over the town and its mark on Swedish history: the castles and mansions. “They are a great experience for people wanting to do something different during their visit or

stay,” Freberg explains. “Unlike many other old castles in Scandinavia, the mansions in our region are often inhabited by the original families. The venues are still alive and their history is more than just memories written down. The history is rather curated by the people managing the castles on a daily basis.” The venues all tell stories about how people used to live and how the society has changed through the generations. By walking around on the estates and lands, visitors get to explore Sweden in a very interesting and different way.

Ericsberg’s Castle About 10 kilometres east of Katrineholm, you will find Ericsberg’s Castle, a historic monument of the greatness of the Swedish baroque era. The grandiose yellow castle is not open to visitors, however it overlooks one of the most magnificent

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castle parks the country has to offer. Here, visitors are more than welcome to spend a day walking around in lush, blossoming perfection. The garden park dates back to the 1600s, when the land was made into a fantastic baroque garden. In the mid1800s it was rebuilt into an ornamental park, which is what visitors enjoy today.

The park has gone through several renovations and remodelling stages since, but the baroque pride and beauty still dominates the park’s features.

Visitors thoroughly enjoy the rigor and symmetry so specific for the époque in question, and the hedges, and prudently formed and cut lawns make a properly Regal impression. In addition to this baroque delight, there is a spring garden and an additional landscape park, both alluring to spectators and a gratifying way to spend a day. Through guided tours you have the opportunity to get an interesting and entertaining history lesson on the castle and its surroundings, but walking around on your own is also a great experience. The Labyrinth is open every day to visitors, and is an exact replica of the famous Hampton Court maze.

The Julita Manor Another venue worth the trip is the Julita Manor – a county estate in Södermanland belonging to Nordiska Museet, situated on the shores of Lake Öljaren between Katrineholm and Eskilstuna. It is a prime example of how a large estate would have looked and functioned in the early 20th century. Besides a fantastically rich history, involving Kings, Queens, convents and foreign noble men, the estate is also the biggest agricultural museum in Sweden.

ABOVE: The Orangery at Ericsberg Castle. Photo: Ericsbergs Slott

Julita Manor and Ericsberg´s Castle are just two of the many venues representing the rich legacy of Scandinavia’s past. The venues all have a lot to tell when it comes to Scandinavian history and heritage. Not seldom situated in stunning, easily accessed locations, and in close proximity to Katrineholm: a small town with a lot to offer.

BELOW: Besides a fantastically rich history, involving Kings, Queens, convents and foreign noble men, the Julita Manor is also the biggest agricultural museum in Sweden. The land of the estate boasts blossoming nature.

For more information, please visit: www.katrineholmcentral.se

Julita Manor consists of over 360 buildings, making it the world’s largest openair museum, offering numerous exhibitions and opportunities to gain unique insights in an estate history spanning from the 1100s to the present time. The estate’s land has always been cultivated, resulting in a blossoming nature and, thankfully for those interested in Scandinavian history, well-kept equipment and fragments of lives that walked this earth long before us.

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Photo: Ulrika Mebus

Photo:Lasse Johansson Funåsdalen II

Photo: Jocke Lagercrantz Harjedalsbild

RIGHT: Experts working with the production of the exhibition Alla människor! together with The Living History Forum, The Swedish Exhibition Agency and Unga Radioteatern.

The exhibition at the Living History Forum is for children aged 10-12, and aims to teach human rights, with World War II as a starting point. Photo: Juliana Wiklund

Museums as social, cultural and financial assets Swedish museums are some of the most visited in Europe, according to the European Group on Museum Statistics. It is therefore no small task that has been awarded the Swedish Exhibition Agency: to foster development and cooperation among what they themselves regard as one of Sweden’s top resources – the museums.

By Astrid Eriksson

Every year the number of museum visits go up, which doesn’t surprise Rebecka Nolmark, Director General at the Swedish Exhibition Agency. “By depicting both history and current society, museums are central in the creation of our common values, how we view ourselves, each other and the future,” she says. “Museums and their art and cultural heritage can through strong intrinsic values be venues for bringing people closer together, to a story, to history or just to themselves.”

The credibility and brand value of Swedish museums are big. Many have their own

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science and research centres, whose experts can be seen in national media commenting on everything from the first signs of spring to new archaeological findings and social movements. “More companies and organisations should look towards museums as partners in projects,” Nolmarks says. “Collaborating with these kinds of institutions is a great opportunity.

Swedish museums are big tourist destinations and reach people in every age group and across international borders.”

In the light of this, one can easily see why preserving and putting extra effort and means into the development of museums

is pivotal. “Society is constantly changing,” Nolmark explains. “Museums have a great opportunity and ability to illustrate social climates, changes and challenges, which makes our work feel rewarding and important. We can see how Swedish museums take the lead globally in matters such as the representation of LGBTQ issues at museums.”

Museums’ roles as preservers, developers and educators have proved very efficient: helping people understand societal contexts through art and culture, reaching numerous people every day, making something difficult to grasp approachable through common interest.

For more information, please visit: www.riksutstallningar.se

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Experience science, technology and the Digital Revolution With a mission to educate and inspire creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship, the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm gives you Digital Revolution: an exhibition presenting mind-blowing science in interactive ways, where worlds and futures are explored in fascinating ways.

By Astrid Eriksson

Last year the exhibition Digital Revolution premiered and up until 30 August 2015 visitors still have the chance to discover this marvellous place of interactive learning and experiencing.

“We have over 90 interactive stations,” says Peter Skogh of Sweden’s National Museum of Science and Technology. “This makes the visitor very much a part of the exhibition itself. We use examples from popular culture like music, film, art/design and video games, to explain through science and technology how things are connected and where that might take us in the future. It is really quite extraordinary.”

Digital Revolution is an important exhibition as it touches upon something that couldn’t be more current. “Understanding science and technology is becoming a democratic issue since the entire society is moving towards a digital world,” Skogh explains. “This is something people might find scary and frightening in

some ways, but you have to see the exciting possibilities it provides. We are, and have been for some time, embarking on a journey where research, science and technology is taking the lead, and Digital Revolution enables people to get a hands-on experience and take part in that very journey.”

Wishing Wall by Varvara Guljajeva & Mar Canet.

Photo: Anna Gerdén

“We aim to be every little genius’s favourite place,” says Skogh. “People who come here should be filled with a will and an eagerness to learn even more, as well as a yearning to set out to further experience what the world of science has to offer.”

For more information, about Digital Revolution and other thrilling exhibitions please visit: www.tekniskamuseet.se/en

Chris Milk, The Treachery of Sanctuary, 2012, The Creators Project, a partnership with Intel and VICE. Photo: Bryan Derballa

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The King is dead – long live the King Scandinavia has an intricate history when it comes to Royalty. Sweden’s Monarchical history is one of Royal elections, marriages, intrigues and dramatic successions. These sovereigns are now honoured in the Royal Armoury’s exhibition Theatre of Death, where visitors are treated to the exciting history of grand and expensive funeral ceremonies, including a majestic presentation of successors to guarantee the Monarchy’s continuity.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: The Swedish Royal Armoury

The Swedish Royal Armoury has long been the go-to place for exhibitions on the Monarchs that have ruled the country in the past, displaying both jewellery, armoury and amazing court fashion from the 1600s and into modern times. Now, the Royal Armoury is offering visitors a chance to orient themselves in the world of royal funerals. “It is a subject matter that attracts a lot of attention, nationally and internationally,” says Ann Grönhammar, curator at the Royal Armoury.

“It’s so much more than just a State funeral. It has a lot to do with the surrounding circumstances and what the country was suffering through at the time of the Royal passing.”

The exhibition Theatre of Death is a splendid opportunity to get to know a society in

mourning for a King, as well as the circumstances surrounding the crowning of a new one. “Sweden’s history of successions is full of dramatic events and implications that has formed our society and history as we know it,” Grönhammar explains. “To come and have a look at what we’re putting on display is like diving into a legacy and heritage that has rarely been made official before.”

In an unexpected end twist, the exhibition takes you through the tomb openings. The past Monarchs have not been left to rest in peace, and experiencing the grave findings and objects is something you will never forget.

A place where culture and history are one

TOP: The dying King Karl XIV Johan in 'lit de parade', in the Seraphim Hall in the castle.

BOTTOM: The King's burial ceremony in Riddarholmskyrkan with his successor, his son Oscar I, sitting on the coffin's right hand side.

For more information, please visit: www.livrustkammaren.se/eng

Vasteras Slott. Photo: VKL

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden and Northern Europe, there is no surprise that history is an important part of Västerås’s spirit. The legacy has shaped the city into one proud of its heritage and keen to explore and develop new cultures. Combined with the stunning nature of Lake Mälaren it is a wonder people go anywhere else.

By Astrid Eriksson | Below Photo: Mostphotos

More often than not, culture is region-specific.

If a place is particularly invested in a specific branch of culture, you would most likely find the explanation in its history. This is particularly true for Västerås, a city highly rich in history and landmarks. Here, historical sites and events have shaped the community into a varied and open cultural landscape where every taste and cultural preference is catered to.

The Cathedral in Västerås, with its oldest parts dating back to the 13th century, is a joy for national and international culture vultures and history lovers. Its unusual art treasures, historical legacy and modern contrasts have made it world famous, and earned it three stars in

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Guide Michelin with the motivation “worth making a detour for”. Culture like this runs like a stream through Västerås and its people. Its proximity to Lake Mälaren, where beautiful views, walks and excursions are only a stone’s throw from the city centre allures visitors from near and far. As does the local concert hall, which frequently features fantastic music and live experiences.

In addition to this, Västerås has a bunch of annual events worth planning your trip around. Music and cultural festivals mixed with the world’s biggest meet for American cars and enthusiasts – to mention a few. This is multitude and cultural variation like you wouldn’t believe.

Photo: Clifford Shirley

Dates for your calendar: MusikRUM Västerås – 22-24 May Västerås City Festival – 25-27 July Power Big Meet – 2-4 July Västerås Culture’s Eve – 19 Sep For more information, please visit: www.visitvasteras.com

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ABOVE: The surrounding water provides calm, and the majestic cliffs a dramatic flair. RIGHT: Björn and his wife Lillemor.

Artipelag: perhaps the most beautiful place in Scandinavia ”My wife and I have always loved the archipelago,” says Björn Jakobson, founder and visionary behind Artipelag. “The idea was to create a meeting place where intellectual exchanges could be made in a beautiful environment,” he explains. The result of Jakobson’s vision is something so stunningly beautiful you have to see it to believe it.

curated by world-renowned Peter Galassi, is an exhibition presenting the history of the photograph through visually stunning landscape images depicting the meeting of the two elements earth and water.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Artipelag

“I knew I wanted guests to experience absolutely beautiful rooms and spaces and an excellent acoustic; a venue equally good for talks, conferences and concerts as it is for displaying art,” says Jakobson.

Architect Johan Nyrén was able to create magnificent and unique architecture, closely aligned with the surrounding nature. The art halls are a work of genius and the art box can hold up to 1,000 guests and has several times hosted TV events and concerts. “We do all kinds of events and conferences,” Jakobson explains. “The venue is good for so many different kinds of occasions.”

Visiting award-winning Artipelag is not something you do in a couple of hours, there is just too much to see and experience. Giving it a fair description is nearly

impossible, with the surrounding water providing calm and the majestic cliffs a dramatic flair. The forest amazes and the fields and flowers underline the unprecedented beauty.

However versatile, Artipelag will always first and foremost be about art. The current exhibition, EARTH MATTERS, is a prime example of art guaranteed to touch your emotions. Curated by Trendoracle Lidewij Edelkoort, it has received overwhelmingly fine reviews, and the media has already dubbed it “this spring’s most important exhibition (DN, Annica Kvint 12/2/2015).”

This summer, Artipelag’s visitors will be treated to yet another success: the photography exhibition Land Meets Water,

“We do everything with a world-class quality unlike anywhere else, from the nature, to the foods in our restaurants – everything is pure gold,” Jakobson says passionately. “The best way to market something is to make sure that you are number one, and we’ve managed to do just that. Nowhere in Sweden can you experience what we offer, and I genuinely believe that a visit to Artipelag is good for your soul.”

We certainly don’t disagree.

Exhibitions and dates for your diary:

EARTH MATTERS: 6 Feb – 3 May Land Meets Water: 29 May – 27 Sep For more information, please visit: www.artipelag.se

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum was created to preserve older buildings, and in doing so telling the stories of times past.

Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum History can be experienced in a lot of different ways and museums are certainly one of the most popular options when it comes to indulging in historical knowledge. For a more active learning and exploring experience, Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum is offering something quite extraordinary.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum

Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum was created to preserve older buildings, and in doing so telling the stories of times past.

Currently there are approximately one hundred buildings in the dedicated neighbourhood and at Valla Farm, the majority of which have been moved from old residential areas of the city of Linköping.

Scandinavia and open-air museums are a fairly common duo, as this part of the world is both old, rich in history and wellkept through the sands of time. “What makes us stand out,” Tina Karlsson, museum manager at Gamla Linköping OpenAir Museum, explains, “is that a lot of other open-air museums focus on small villages and farm lives. We have managed to rebuild and preserve actual city blocks and neighbourhoods, which is much more unusual.”

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Experiencing Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum once isn’t enough. Many visitors come back, captivated by the authenticity of the neighbourhood, excited to experience it all over again, and to take part in the numerous activities and events on offer. “For a lot of people it is nostalgia that brings them back,” says Karlsson. The Open-Air Museum has since long been a popular weekend and vacation excursion for Swedes and internationals who have been coming since childhood. “People recognise the buildings, the feeling of walking around in an authentic environment and visiting the various shops and museums situated in the neighbourhood.

But the Open-Air Museum is also a place for constant renewal and development.”

Indeed, the broad programmes offer a lot of different experiences and events for every taste and interest, and during the

summer season the Open-Air Museum is fully packed with exciting happenings. On 6 June for example, the Swedish National Day, the place comes to life with markets, professional exhibitions, an antique car meet, food, drinks and much more. Other things making the summer at the OpenAir Museum a little more special are the authentically dressed staff that provide a genuine feeling of being taken back in time. Horse carriages, children playing with time-appropriate toys, spontaneous and planned spectacles in the middle of the streets and boutiques, and much more is to be experienced at Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum.

For more information, please visit: www.gamlalinkoping.info

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

LEFT: At Södra Teatern you never have to leave in order to fulfil your cultural needs and desires. MIDDLE: Gorgeous lunches can be enjoyed at the terrace. Photo: Claes Helander. TOP RIGHT: The beautiful big stage. Photo: Martin Lehnberg. BOTTOM RIGHT: Ingmari Pagenkemper, CEO and artistic leader. Photo: Johan Mellin

Cultural diversity at its very finest In the middle of Stockholm’s trendiest district, Södermalm, you will find Södra Teatern (The Southern Theatre). With a spectacular view of the capital this modern entertainment palace offers visitors the most packed and varied event programme of 2015. If you are keen to experience something new and exciting there is no better place to be than right here, at Södra Teatern.

By Astrid Eriksson | Main Photo: Åsa Hammerståhl

“The Swedish culture climate is alive and vibrant,” says Ingmari Pagenkemper, CEO and artistic leader. “And at the same time, as so often happens when the political climate changes, not without worry. However, turbulence often makes for a brilliant creative atmosphere where new expressions come to life, something Södra Teatern will always enforce and encourage.”

Södra Teatern is what is known in the business as a ‘one-stop shop’: you never have to leave in order to fulfil your cultural needs and desires. “Our venue provides everything,” Pagenkemper explains.

“From conferences to exhibitions and gorgeous lunches in the restaurant Mosebacke, where the terrace view will blow you away. Come evening, you’ll find the

restaurant serving up culinary masterpieces along with drinks of the highest standards and the nightclub always puts on something extra to create outstanding experiences.”

What Södra Teatern is most famous for, however, is what happens on their stages.

“We are known for our national and international stage performances,” says Pagenkemper. “Södra Teatern has always been a diverse venue where unknown artists can perform for a fantastic audience, who all come here because we offer things on our stages you can’t see anywhere else in Stockholm.” The venue has since the 70s been working a lot with international artists and guest performances, something that has put Södra Teatern on the map as one of the most di-

verse and forward-thinking stages in Scandinavia.

Putting on 500-600 acts a year, Södra Teatern is indeed the place to visit if you are looking for extraordinary experiences.

“I often call Södra Teatern a ‘fine old lady’,” Pagenkemper says, laughing. “She knows what she wants and how to get it.

She has lived a rich life, but still knows how to have a hell of a good time.”

A few selected dates for your diary 7 March, 4 April, 2 May: Mums Mums (Club) 19 March, Maz Jobrani: I come in peace – again (IRN/USA comedy) 20 March, Susanne Sundfør (NOR Music) 27 March , Ebbot Lundberg & The Indigo Children (SWE Music) For more information, please visit: www.sodrateatern.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden

Royal hunts and forest kings The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill, located in the Ecopark Halle-Hunneberg is a museum unlike any other. It covers everything from the myths of the Plateau Mountains to the cultural history of the surrounding nature, and the wild creatures who live in it.

By Astrid Eriksson

“Our museum is first and foremost a museum about the Swedish wildlife and the Royal Hunt,� says Ola Selin, guide at the Royal Hunt Museum. Although the museum covers a broad range of subjects, there is only one King of the Forest. “When it comes to the wildlife, few things say ‘Sweden’ as much as an elk, even though the elk’s presence is growing in Europe,� Selin explains. Despite this proliferation, the museum stays busier than ever with curious visitors and explorers.

Inside the museum you’ll find permanent exhibitions on the mountain, its surrounding nature and its habitants, as well as a presentation of the area’s rich history and the culture surrounding the hunt. Outside, the Ecopark offers visitors hikes and other experiences in the beautiful surrounding nature. Both elk and beaver safaris are popular activities where the

eminent guides will navigate you through the landscape and the Plateau Mountains, where you track game in their own territory.

The interactive museum takes the learning experience to an entirely different level. Through technical features you will get to know, and experience for yourself, the elk’s senses. In addition, the museum will teach you a lot about the Royal Hunt, a tradition stemming from 1885, which continues to this day. The most adventurous ones can even participate in the Royal Hunt themselves through a hunting simulator.

The Royal Hunt Museum is great fun for the entire family. So what are you waiting for? The King of the Forest awaits your presence.

For more information, please visit: www.algensberg.com/en

Photo: Lasse Ola Selin

Photo: Roland Johansson

WEALTH PLANNING

You know where to go.

We know how to guide you there.

Moving abroad can be very complicated. There are many things to consider, including the requirements of the different regulatory regimes to which cross-border wealth planning is subject. Let us guide you through the legislative labyrinth, and help you avoid unnecessary, timeconsuming paperwork, as well as any unwelcome (and often expensive) surprises along the way.

No matter where life takes you, Nordea’s in-house wealth-planners and their external network of experts can ensure that you are well prepared to meet the challenges that moving abroad brings.

6ISITĂ´USĂ´ATĂ´WWW NORDEA LU 70Ă´ORĂ´CALLĂ´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´TOĂ´ARRANGEĂ´AĂ´MEETING

Making it possible +LQEFKDĂąFKĂąQEFPĂąMR?IF@>QFLKĂąPELRIAĂą?BĂą@LKPQORBAĂą>PĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąLOĂąQEBĂąPLIF@FQ>QFLKĂąLCĂą>KĂąLCCBO ĂąQLĂąMRO@E>PB ĂąPR?P@OF?BĂąQLĂąLOĂąPBIIĂą>KVĂąFKSBPQJBKQĂąMOLAR@QĂąLOĂąPBOSF@BPĂąFKĂą>KVĂąGROFPAF@QFLKĂąTEBOBĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 ĂąLOĂą>KVĂąLCĂąFQPĂą>ChIF>QBPĂąALĂąKLQĂą E>SBĂąQEBĂąKB@BPP>OVĂąIF@BKPB Ăą-R?IFPEBAĂą?VĂą+LOAB>Ăą >KHĂą0 Ăą/ 0 Ăą)RUBJ?LRODĂą+L Ăą Ăą Ăą ĂąPR?GB@QĂąQLĂąQEBĂąPRMBOSFPFLKĂąLCĂąQEBĂą)RUBJ?LRODĂą LJJFPPFLKĂąABĂą0ROSBFII>K@BĂąARĂą0B@QBROĂą#FK>K@FBOĂą TTT @PPC IR Ăą LKQ>@QĂąABQ>FIPĂą Ăą Ăą ORBĂąABĂą+BRALOC Ăą) Ăą)RUBJ?LROD Ăą1BIĂą Ăą Ăą Ăą Ăą

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WE SPE LF CIA AR LT E IN TEC HEM NO H RW NO E: AY LOG Y

Everyday life –better with welfare technology LFH represents providers of welfare technology to the Norwegian market, who want to contribute to innovation in the health sector. “Our solutions make everyday life easier for both patients and nurses, and therefore it is important to create an increase in the demand for welfare technology,” says LFH’s CEO, Trond Dahl Hansen. “We want to know what kind of challenges the buyer wants to solve.”

Text & Photos: The Norwegian Trade Association for Health and Welfare Technology

A great challenge for LFH’s welfare technology group is the lack of technological knowledge in the health sector, especially in the municipality sector. “We have to contribute to an increase in technological knowledge. This will make everyday life better for the patients, and we will get the best result when all the stakeholders in the sector cooperate,” continues Dahl Hansen.

A need for a well-functioning market for welfare technology “We often find that welfare technology pilots are started in different Norwegian municipalities, but they almost never end up in commercial operations,” states Dahl

Hansen. Too often test projects for welfare technology are started without the municipality really defining the needs they want to address. Pilot projects are carried out without a real demand for the technology, seen in retrospect.

“We are very satisfied with the establishment of the national programme for welfare technology in Norway, but on the other hand we are disappointed with the lack of government funding in the national budget for 2015.” In a hearing in the health and social committee in the Parliament, LFH suggested that the funding should be increased to NOK 100 million.

“There is a need for an existing and well-

functioning market for welfare technology in Norway,” says Dahl Hansen.

Better relations between municipalities and the industry The Norwegian Directorate of Health has taken the initiative for developing contact and dialogue between municipalities and the industry in relation to welfare technology. LFH is engaged as the project manager for the programme “KomNær”, which objectives are to share knowledge of solutions and focus on innovative public procurement based on dialogue between the municipalities and the supplier market. One of the main targets for the programme is to develop arenas for dialogue and sharing of knowledge.

For more information, please visit: www.lfh.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

Safe and secure at home, as long as possible Norway expects an increase of up to 70 per cent in the number of OAPs (Old Age Pensioners) before the year 2030. The need for health care services will grow rapidly, and so change and innovation are necessary for the health care sector to be sustainable.

Text: Vigdis SvĂŚren, Nelfo | Photos: Norsk Teknologi

Welfare technology and the opportunities technology brings will be part of the solution. Technology is not a substitute for human care, but will support a more independent life for many people.

manage everyday life. Welfare technology can also work as support to relatives, and of course promote better working conditions for employees in the nursing sector through better accessibility, use of resources and quality of services.

As long as possible in your own life Most people want to live independent and active lives in their own homes as long as possible, despite disease or reduced functionality. One of the answers to this challenge is welfare technology, which is the term used for technical assistance that contributes to increased safety, social participation, mobility and physical activity. Technology enhances people’s ability to

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both health professional, technological and pedagogic competences. The local communities must be able to demand welfare technology in their purchases through acknowledging what is available to them in the market. New nursing homes and buildings suitable for elderly people must be prepared with the necessary infrastructure, to support new technologies as they develop. A minor increase in construction phase investments will lower the cost of health services in years to come.

Better services and working conditions Health, care and nursing services will occupy an increasing part of our resources in the years to come. For society and the municipalities it will be essential to change the way healthcare services are organised and supplied. Welfare technology for people with reduced functionalities is complex and demanding. It will require

For more information, please visit: norskteknologi.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

Liberating solutions

RotoFlex works through a five-section lying surface that enables a simple and safe entry into the bed, as well as exit.

– more energy and zest for life Having made the uncompromising mantra ‘products that increase the quality of life’ their motto, Bardum have undoubtedly set the bar high for successful development of welfare technology. Now introducing the RotoFlex bed system and the Seat Up armchair, allowing the user to be fully self-reliant when getting in and out of bed and when seated in the living room, Bardum is yet again changing lives for the better.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Bardum

“It’s all about putting people at the centre of their lives, and imagining what would improve their situation – regardless of disabilities or hindrances in their current routines,” says Veronica K. Astrup, Marketing Manager for Bardum. “What the RotoFlex bed system does is exactly this: increasing the user’s quality of life by giving back their independence and self-reliance in a situation where they spend a lot of their time – namely in bed.”

RotoFlex works through a five-section lying surface that enables a simple and safe entry into the bed, as well as exit. By a rotating mechanism, the bed curls into a sitting position, providing optimal and comfortable support for the user throughout the movement process. This enables

one of the system’s key user groups, the elderly, to make their way from their bed to a walking aid (or similar) with ease.

“It’s a simple system that works at the push of a button,” explains Astrup, continuing: “The remote control is very easy to understand, which is especially comforting for the elderly. It’s important to remember, however, that the system is a great choice for several user groups that would like to increase independence when getting in and out of bed. Additionally, it makes the jobs of family members and carers a lot less of a strain.”

Great service is one of the key pillars of Bardum as a brand, which is obvious when browsing through their product range. A key product that is also new to

the range is Seat Up, an armchair that aids the process of sitting down and getting up. The armchair offers comfort and security by dampening the movement when you sit down, while slowly lifting you when it’s time to get up. The product is yet another example of Bardum’s focus on removing hindrances and strengthening individual freedom for everyone. “It’s always been about increasing activity and removing obstacles,” says Astrup about Bardum’s mission. “Changing life for the better.”

The Seat Up armchair dampens the movement when you sit down, and slowly lifts you when it’s time to get up.

For more information, please visit: www.bardum.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

The U-test is 70 per cent quicker compared to traditional testing methods, and makes obtaining a clean result very easy. This makes the U-test especially suitable for testing infants and small children.

Revolutionary detection tool for improved health Increasing quality of life and the level of personal support for people of all ages has for years been the main objective of SCA Hygiene Products. Having revolutionised individual care for those experiencing urine incontinence, the brand is now launching the revolutionary U-test – a simple and effective way of detecting the presence of urinary tract infections with infants and the incontinent.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: SCA Hygiene AS

Absorbent hygiene products have for long fuelled the development of higher hygiene standards, a development SCA Hygiene Products is proud to have spearheaded.

Furthering this development in elderly care and health care practices, the innovative company are now making it their mission to improve personal wellbeing by detecting the presence of urinal tract infections in an easier way and at its earliest stage. This, explains Marketing Manager Wanda Storbugt, can effectively mean significant improvements to personal health and reduce use of antibiotics. “Urinary infections are one of the most common afflictions amongst the elderly, but it also occurs amongst small children. For both demographics, the U-

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test can have a remarkable impact when it comes to diagnosing and treatment, and the sooner it’s detected the better.

Not to mention that unnecessary treatment can be avoided.”

Facilitation, precision and ease So what constitutes the revolutionary aspect of the U-test? Key terms are facilitation, precision and ease. “So-called stick tests that require a urine sample in a cup have long been the standard way of determining whether or not a person has contracted this form of infection, but they are not seldom contaminated by outside bacteria. This may cause false diagnosing or simply an imprecise diagnosis,” says Storbugt. By fastening the U-test – whose

novel shape resembles a denser adhesive pad – face-down into the absorbent pad or diaper worn by the user, the sample used for medical analysis is kept completely free from bacterial contamination.

What is more, the easy in-pad fastening makes the process simple, straight-forward and void of all discomfort. “It’s truly a ground-breaking product in all its simplicity,” says Storbugt, adding: “The test sample’s purity is unobstructed, the result exact and the receiver of the care does not have to undergo any uncomfortable methods of testing. At the same time the U-test measures the very same levels of nitrite and leucocytes that stick tests do, so the grounds for diagnosis stay the same.”

A swift process With a result generation period that is 70 per cent quicker compared to traditional testing methods, time efficiency can also be calculated into the many benefits of using the Tena U-test. Rounded up, the advantages can make a substantial difference in the lives of not only the elderly

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

suffering from incontinence, but also care staff, infants and the disabled. “The most basic idea behind Tena U-test is not only to simplify the test process for the patient, but also for the carer. There are many cases where obtaining a urine sample is far from easy – especially in the case of infants and small children who may not want to cooperate when needed, but also elderly who may be confused, bed-ridden or suffering from dementia.

The result is available a mere 15 minutes after voiding and it’s valid for up to 24 hours, enabling a swift process from beginning to end,” explains Storbugt.

Improved working conditions Emphasising that the results of the Tena U-test should be viewed in context of the patient’s full health situation, Storbugt is enthusiastic about the long line of benefits presented by the method. Subjective assessments from nurses and carers who have employed the U-test while carrying out their day-to-day tasks have praised the test, with an acknowledged 100 per cent of asked nurses saying that the test improved their working conditions. A remarkable 89 per cent also noted that the product increased the comfort experienced by the patient. “It’s simple, welltested and it has a specific target group that can easily benefit from the clear advantages shown. Carers we speak to are amazed by the product and ask why it hasn’t been available before, so it’s apparent that we have filled a very necessary gap in the market with an innovative but easy-to-use product,” adds Storbugt.

ABOVE: By fastening the U-test – whose novel shape resembles a denser adhesive pad – face-down into the absorbent pad or diaper worn by the user, the sample used for medical analysis is kept completely free from bacterial contamination. BELOW: Urinary infections are one of the most common afflictions amongst the elderly. The U-test can have a remarkable impact when it comes to quick diagnosing and treatment.

Tena U-test is available in two-piece packages at pharmacies and from medicalsupply wholesalers.

For more information, please visit: www.tena.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

Mary had for long been unsteady on her feet and afraid of falling. With the Ergogrip support bar, she now feels safe and self-reliant carrying out her daily routines.

With a firm grip on everyday life With backgrounds as physiotherapists, Aase Rokne and Bibba Benum had seen numerous people struggle with their balance and the resultant fear of falling. In a pursuit to revolutionise care for the elderly and empower them to feel safe and self-reliant in their everyday lives, the two set out to design a support bar that would restore the user’s feeling of mastery and dignity. The result? Ergogrip – offering a firm grip on everyday life.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Ergogrip

“We were invited to take part in a project that set out to ease the work for carers in retirement homes,” says Rokne about the process that spawned the idea of a support bar for the elderly and people with unsteady balance. “We realised this kind of support bar around bathroom sinks would aid individual care tremendously, as it meant users would be free to move and care for their personal hygiene on their own terms. Seeing how the product could help improve quality of life encouraged us to create a universal design that could be easily attached – offering real security for those afraid to fall, but also other users.”

The Ergogrip support bars have been tested by carers, users and ergotherapists, ensuring the products’ user-friend-

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liness and adaptability, and engineers have also played part in the development process. After numerous testing phases a selection of designs was chosen for production, and the result is – as Rokne confirms – nothing short of revolutionary. “It’s safe, it can handle any weight and meets all demands of hygiene, and its universal design supports use by everyone. It’s also a valid point that the bar makes life easier and safer for nurses and carers,” says Rokne.

The Ergogrip bar’s crescent shape allows users to gain a firm grip all the way around the sink, offering many different grip opportunities. The bar can also be used for lighter exercise. “There are plenty

of exercises that can be carried out with the bar. These help users to get by on their own and be self-reliant as long as possible. Thus they gain mastery and freedom of their own lives,” says Rokne, adding: “We see a restoration of dignity and privacy in older people, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.”

Ergogrip is currently implemented at retirement homes and hospitals, with hopes that it will soon be used even more during at-home rehabilitation.

For more information, please visit: www.ergogrip.no

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

ABOVE: Pro Cornea Spesiallinser offer special contact lenses that can help relieve symptoms of a number of conditions.

RIGHT: Example of ripple-distortion, as someone with dyslexia may perceive text. ChromaGen™ lenses can help improve the condition.

A new outlook on life Where welfare technology is concerned, few areas of development are more important than that of sight. Moreover, these developments prove particularly important when they concern conditions that prove hindering in everyday situations. At Pro Cornea Spesiallinser, those suffering from colour deficiency or certain types of dyslexia can find life-changing help in the shape of ChromaGen™ contact lenses.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Pro Cornea Spesiallinser

“These contacts really can change people’s lives,” says Kristine Brettingen Johansen, founder of Pro Cornea Spesiallinser. “The earlier one starts the better, but unfortunately a lot of people aren’t aware that some of these conditions can actually be improved by special contact lenses.”

One of the groups who can benefit from ChromaGen™ lenses are those suffering from colour deficiency. In these cases, ChromaGen™ works as a coloured filter of a specific density and hue, which changes the wavelength of each colour, enhancing colour perception and discrimination. Trials report that over 97 per cent of colour deficient people reported significant enhancements to their colour vision when

children’s sense of mastering their future and academic prospects,” says Johansen.

Pro Cornea Spesiallinser also cater to other sight deficiencies. A few examples: - Poor contrast vision or insufficient night vision can be a result of too little macular pigmentation in the eye. MacuShield is a supplement containing the exact same nutrients found in the eye, thereby strengthening this pigmentation.

using the lenses. “This can be of help in terms of safety. Imagine something like being able to clearly distinguish between colours of traffic lights,” notes Johansen, adding: “Also, think of school children, learning by use of colours in class.”

– Those suffering from dry, itching, or sore eyes, or excessive tearing, can find long-lasting help in the German Hylo® rewetting drop series, while efficient treatment can also be sourced in the EyeBag heat treatment.

However, ChromaGen™ has also proved beneficial for certain sufferers from dyslexia. This is because the lenses are able to slow down the eyes’ light perception, and balance the signal sent from the eyes along neurological pathways to the brain, altogether allowing the brain to process information more easily. “What we hope is that more people will learn the life-changing effects of ChromaGen™, and introduce this option earlier in life to dyslexics. This has an immense effect on

– People who suffer from immense light sensitivity, which may lead to strong headaches or epileptic seizures, can find life-changing help in dark, tinted lenses.

Pro Cornea Spesiallinser deliver products to opticians/optometrists in Norway.

For more information, please visit: procornea.no dyslexia-help.co.uk www.opplagteoyne.no www.eyebagcompany.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

Ease and comfort are cornerstones of Smart-control.no. Your smartphone, tablet or email inbox can be linked to your home security and convenience systems no matter what you would like to keep track of.

Intelligent homes – under your control Having developed a fully-fledged line of home security systems that can be adapted to every need and wish through innovative communication technologies, Smartcontrol.no have brought intelligence into the everyday security upkeep of your home.

Take control of your everyday life – and make Smart-control.no part of it.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Smart-Control.no

Whether your security needs are confined to those of dependably strong lock systems for your home, or an automatic water stopper that lets you stay in control of your water supply and prevent leakages while away from your home, Smartcontrol.no boasts a database of tested, smart and helpful gear that will have a significant impact on your comfort, security and safety. “Home intelligence systems do not require a user who knows every single quirk and aspect of the system,” says founder Kjell Strømhylden.

“The goal of the systems is to allow the house to be intelligent on your behalf, if

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you will, to make everyday life easier and increase safety. They work independently of human factors.”

High-quality systems readily available So what is, in fact, an intelligent home security system? Strømhylden describes it as much more than a home alarm that you turn on when leaving on holiday, or even a high-tech door lock that snaps shut behind you when you leave for work in the morning. “Our modern systems can be adapted to your everyday schedule, and even be programmed to react within certain time scopes. The Geofense

is a great example, as it allows for housespecific programming that defines an area that activates an action when someone steps into it or out of it. This is one of the systems that can successfully be installed alongside a more traditional home alarm. The solution will make it impossible to forget activating the alarm – altogether making your home safer than ever before,” he explains, adding that the system’s actions also include lock mechanisms, fully ascertaining that your home is locked and secure in your absence, and your belongings out of a potential burglar’s reach.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Norway

While the technology Strømhylden spearheads may seem futuristic to some, it is in fact readily available for anyone who wants to implement a high-quality system that allows for safety in every instance of everyday living. Furthermore, such systems enable a higher level of safety for those who may be in particular need of support in their home, such as the elderly.

“Several of these systems allow for a specified level of care and are therefore optimal for the elderly or those suffering from dementia or forgetfulness,” Strømhylden asserts. “A system such as the Geofense will notice when someone leaves the area defined by the user, a function which is very useful when that person is perhaps not meant to leave their house without company.”

Security and communication combined Smart-control.no’s home intelligence systems are heightened by the fact that they combine security with innovative means of communication. “This means that our lock systems are connected to a commu-

nication system that can send you a text message, email or even a push notification on your phone when your door is locked or opened. It also means that you can choose to forego the fully automatic lock system for one that allows for remote locking, wherever you are,” he says, adding: “In this case a small remote control is given to you in the shape of a key ring – simple and easy.”

Ease and comfort are cornerstones of Smart-control.no. Your smartphone, tablet or email inbox can be linked to your home security and convenience systems no matter what you would like to keep track of – counting everything from water leakages to in-door heating (water pump heating or other). Additional services provide an instant garage port closing application, baby call monitoring and energyefficient in-door light monitoring. These communicate with a main controller, installed in your home – communicating with your external devices. “People are surprised to hear that Smart-control.no is

one system, which collects all these applications under one roof. It’s mainly a ‘plug n’ play’ kind of system – from the simple packages to the more advanced – all pre-programmed and installed by local electricians in your home, or when called for, an external technician or specialist,” says Strømhylden.

Smart-control.no uses Z-Wave wireless technology for its systems, a supplier offering a great breadth of solutions that communicate and ‘talk’ to each other securely. Currently there are nearly 1,000 different Z-Wave products that work together. “We’ve spent a great deal of time figuring out which products are the best for our households,” says Strømhylden.

“Everything we do has security, safety and ease at its core.”

For more information, please visit: www.smart-control.no

Issue 74 | March 2015 | 69

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: ME OGY E TH OL

L HN CIA TEC ND E SP ARE INLA

LF IN F WE

Finland’s most dynamic and successful hi-tech export industry:

Healthtech Healthtech can be rightly considered one of Finland’s better-kept secrets. Finnish healthtech has coped well with globalisation of markets, consolidation of ownership and survived the recent financial crisis unscathed. Now the health sector has been acknowledged as one of Finland's main growth industries.

By Healthtech | Photos: Healthtech Finland

The sustained growth of healthtech in Finland can arguably be attributed to the fact that the business appears to be particularly well-suited to the diligent work ethic of Finland’s scientists and engineers.

That, in turn, is the result of the Finnish education system and the impact of wider society. The absence of social hierarchies paired with a high level of gender equality in Finland allows for easy team-building and close co-operation between engineers, nurses and doctors, not to mention industrial designers.

Indeed design, in the widest sense, has clearly played a crucial role in all of Finland’s successful healthtech products.

The concepts of systems, modularity and “all-in-one” solutions make for good

70 | Issue 74 | March 2015

product usability – but require combining the talents of software coding, material sciences and market research, to name just a few.

Three ministries (the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Education and Culture) together with The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) and the Academy of Finland have recently acknowledged the health sector by announcing the new strategy for growth, which was prepared in cooperation with major health sector players. "The annual turnover in the health sector, i.e. health technology and the pharmaceuticals sector is already approaching five billion euros, and the vast

majority is exported. Finland has a great deal of knowledge and intellectual capital which means that world-class products and services can be produced using the latest technology," said Minister of Economic Affairs Jan Vapaavuori when the strategy was published.

For more information, please visit: Health Sector Growth Strategy for Research and Innovation Activities www.tem.fi/files/40138/TEMrap_16_2 014_web_26052014.pdf The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) www.tekes.fi/en Academy of Finland www.aka.fi/en-GB/A Healthtech Finland - FiHTA www.finnishhealthtech.fi

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Non-Contact Recovery, Stress and Sleep Quality Monitor With Web Application

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2_9_ScanMag_74_March_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 09/03/2015 23:15 Page 72

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

Knowledge is crucial:

Modern Diagnostics detects genetic diseases to give children a better future

A better chance for receiving treatment

often undetectable when the infant is born. Sometimes these conditions go completely unnoticed although there may be a history of sudden death in the family – therefore making it important to detect any diseases in the child and treat the condition where possible. For example, in cases of fatty acid oxidation disorders, treating the condition with the right diet and avoiding any kind of strenuous activities might give the child considerably bigger chances for survival. It is also possible to find the cause for some stillbirths or recurrent miscarriages and prevent these from happening in the future.

There are a number of causes of deaths of infants and babies that can be diagnosed using the LifeGuard® Gene Panel, such as cot death and fatty acid oxidation disorders, in which the signs of disease are

Modern Diagnostics’ clients are hospitals and especially clinical geneticists, paediatricians, obstetricians, gynaecologists, as well as clinical and forensic patholo-

Modern Diagnostics is a spin-off company of researchers from Turku University and Turku University Hospital. They aim to offer high-quality genetic diagnostics to pregnant women, their families and children. They focus on rare inherited diseases and chromosome abnormalities that threaten the lives of children.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Mari Männistö

Modern Diagnostics’ flagship product is LifeGuard® Gene Panel, a gene testing service that can detect most significant known causes associated with fatal children’s diseases. LifeGuard® is aimed at studying and finding a cause for unexplained children’s deaths, such as cot death and neonatal deaths. “When I was a specialising to become a paediatric pathologist, what struck a chord with me was that as many as 100,000 unexplained children’s deaths occur each year in Europe and the US, so I wanted to do some-

72 | Issue 74 | March 2015

thing to fix it,” says Dr. Jukka Laine, Chief Executive Officer of Modern Diagnostics.

“At the time, there was no existing technology to widely analyse the genes associated with infant deaths,” Laine continues.

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

gists and research institutes that Modern Diagnostics works in collaboration with in order to further develop its tools that will ensure the lives of children are preserved. “One family I was treating had a child with an arrhythmia that was fatal.

Had the arrhythmia been spotted earlier, say, in the womb, I believe this would have given the child a better chance for receiving the treatment for the condition, which would have increased the chances of survival considerably,” says Laine.

Healthy prospects The LifeGuard® panel has huge potential in China. This country’s one-child policy entails special importance for the panel in cases where families who might have suffered from miscarriages or other health issues with their children can ensure that the next child is healthy. “We are able to provide our services in instances where a woman has suffered an earlier miscarriage, and might want to find if there is a genetic reason for this. We can test the parents to see whether they might be carriers for any hereditary conditions in order to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are able to have healthy children,” clarifies Laine.

“We are exploring opportunities to expand to other countries/regions – China, Korea, Pakistan, India and the Middle East to start with. Marriages between cousins are not uncommon for instance in Pakistan, India, and countries in the Middle East, which means that there is a tendency for children with life-threatening hereditary disorders in these countries; we can help them to have healthy babies,” says Laine.

DNA from the foetus is released from the placenta, making it unnecessary to perform an invasive test.

“There is fierce competition on the market, but I have confidence in our LifeGuard® services. We are currently involved in a pilot project where we are seeking the genetic causes of cot death in a cohort study – the results may open a remarkable new view on the underlying causes and genetic consultation of the

disease. I believe that knowledge is crucial: the more we know, the more children we can prevent from dying. The wellbeing of children is our top priority, and the ethics, quality and safety of the testing is our means to the end,” Laine concludes.

For more information, please visit: www.moderndiagnostics.fi

The wellbeing of children: the top priority Modern Diagnostics have recently started to offer non-invasive prenatal testing which detects the most common chromosomal abnormalities already at pregnancy, without invasive procedures. Normally prenatal diagnostic testing, based on amniocentesis, carries a 1 per cent risk of miscarriage. Modern Diagnostics offers a test that detects chromosome mutations from the mother’s blood, as the

Dr Jukka Laine, Chief Executive Officer of the company, was specialising to become a paediatric pathologist when the idea of Modern Diagnostics came to him. “What struck a chord with me was that as many as 100,000 unexplained children’s deaths occur each year in Europe and the US. I wanted to do something to fix it.”

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

An innovation imperative:

Small yet significant Reliable, fast and easy; these are three key words of one of the latest technological developments in healthcare.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Bindex

Bindex is a new innovation by Bone Index Ltd., the most promising Life Science startup company in Scandinavia run by Ossi Riekkinen from Kuopio. This is a device which allows for early detection of osteoporosis, quickly and reliably, in primary care, retail clinics or even at home by a nurse. Up until recent developments, osteoporosis diagnostics have only been possible in large hospitals with large equipment. This new, pocket-sized device is significantly more user friendly.

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease.

However, the risk of getting actual bone fractures with high costs can be greatly reduced by lifestyle changes and effective treatment, if

detected in time. The CEO of Bone Index, Ossi Riekkinen, is concerned about the low number of diagnosed cases. He says: “At the moment only 25 per cent of all cases are diagnosed.

With this new device we hope to change this figure significantly.”

Bindex is easily one of the most valuable innovations of late, which could potentially result in a significant amount of savings for the healthcare system, but also in early diagnosis of osteoporosis.Things are moving fast for this young company, “We are expecting to go global in the next few years,” Riekkinen says. With a device like this, we don’t doubt it.

For more information, please visit: www.bindex.fi

As they say, good things come in small packages.

From pen and paper to connected and smart diabetes care Mendor Smart is a wireless and clever glucose meter designed to make logging of values and managing diabetes easier. All information is automatically stored in a secure Cloud service, where individuals and healthcare professionals can monitor it, and receive automated coaching and feedback.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Mendor

Mendor Smart will be launched in March. “It will completely revolutionise diabetes management: by automatically logging glucose readings and coaching the person with, for example, insulin titration. Now the focus can shift onto important things, such as preventative assessment of an individual’s diabetes

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care needs,” comments Kristian Ranta, CEO and co-founder of Mendor.

Mendor Smart works by storing users’ glucose readings in real-time via a mobile network in a cloud service where patients can connect and share details with relevant care teams. What is so revolutionary about Mendor Smart is that it automatically analyses glucose data and makes predictions on future readings and recognises patterns based on patients’ past readings.

Mendor Smart is part of a service ecosystem called Mendor ONE

which – in addition to the connected meter – also includes a smartphone app for people with diabetes, and a software programme for diabetes professionals to analyse glucose levels and other data. It allows doctors and nurses to proactively detect high-risk patients. “Having worked almost 10 years in diabetes care, we have found several areas where we could greatly improve the lives of people with diabetes, and help professionals treat their patients in a better way.

These are things we wanted to address with Mendor ONE,” explains Ranta.

Mendor products are currently available in 15 European countries and China – Mendor ONE will be launched in Finland in March, in the UK later on in the year and the United States in 2016.

LEFT: Mendor products blend seamlessly into your everyday life. Photo Right: Mendor Smart, 3G-connected blood glucose meter.

For more information, please visit: www.mendor.com

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

LEFT: Founder and CEO of Lymed, Mrs Teija Toikka with office dog Ninja. Photo: Essi Toikka. MIDDLE: Ski-cross champion Jouni Pellinen in his Lymed Sport™ suit.

Photo: Mette Kortelainen. RIGHT: The production team consists of versatile education and weighty work experiences within the textile industry. Photo: Essi Toikka

The right kind of pressure What do autistic children, breast cancer survivors and burn patients all have in common? All of them have found tremendous relief in world-class pressure garments produced by Finnish techno-medical garment manufacturer Lymed.

By Nina Lindqvist

At their 1500 sqm facilities in the city of Tampere in southern Finland, medical garment manufacturer Lymed runs a business unlike any other in the world.

Not only is Lymed one-of-a-kind in its field in Finland, but the company is also unmatched within the Nordic countries.

Because of its wide range of products, the company also prides itself on being the most diverse and inclusive pressure garment provider in the entire world.

“Our garments are used in treating edema, scars and in surgical aftercare, as well as in different neurological indications, such as CP or autism. We also provide customized garments for athletes and para-athletes. These garments improve posture and body awareness and can prevent injuries,” Teija Toikka, CEO at Lymed, explains.

Humans are, perhaps a bit surprisingly, not the company’s only customers. The clientele also includes dogs and horses.

Pressure garments for animals can

treat a variety of behavioural disorders, for instance ones stemming from fear.

Every single garment is designed and produced on the premises, ensuring a closeknit contact with clients. “The client’s individual needs are taken into consideration during designing, resulting in an effective, custom-made garment,” Toikka explains. Lymed currently exports to thirteen countries worldwide, including the UK, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. The secret behind the success is a combination of extensive research with medicinal and technological know-how. Exclusive manufacturing materials enable the company to design pressure garments that

are comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and give the best possible result in pressure treatment. Lymed acts as a strong developer in its field with close ties to hospitals and research centres, guaranteeing that the quality of both pressure garments and pressure treatment is always top notch.

The motivation behind Lymed’s enthusiasm is that their garments do make a difference. “We take great pride in our work.

It’s extremely rewarding to realize that our garments improve the quality of life for our clients,” Toikka says. Last year, Lymed’s determination and dedication over the past two decades was rewarded with a prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award, an achievement that Toikka is still ecstatic about. “It is quite remarkable that a medical garment can win recognition as a visual design product in an international design competition. We work in silence and let our success make the noise.

Everything is possible when we ‘do more and moan less’,” Toikka says, and instantly has her whole team laughing.

For more information, please visit: www.lymed.fi

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

ABOVE RIGHT: Timo Vihma (left) and Sami Martin (right) at the Seating Symposium in Nashville 2015.

Handico -a most rewarding legacy Focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, Handico are hard at work trying to provide technological solutions that will help people tackle their day-to-day lives. With extensive experience and knowledge in the field of welfare technology and development, their teams are relentlessly trying to find better ways to assist those facing a more challenging daily routine than others.

By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Handico

“I used to work in banking,” says Sami Martin, Managing Director at Handico Finland. “I was used to helping people within the financial sphere, and then I came into the rehabilitation business, and the difference was huge. The way we are helping people right now is immensely important.”

Handico develop customised seating systems for manual and power wheelchairs, and since the company was founded countless people have reaped the direct benefits of the company’s competent staff and their desire to make a difference in people’s lives. “One of the things I am most proud of is that we have such vast and varied talent among our employees,” says Timo Vihma, CEO. “We take on young professionals from a wide range of fields,

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who are absolutely brilliant in what they do. Working together, they prove over and over again that nothing is impossible as long as you have the right knowledge and means at your disposal.”

With extensive experience in their field it is no wonder that Handico are market leaders in Finland. But it is, however, both demanding and emotional. “We come into people’s lives when they are struggling the most,” Martin says. “When we develop our products we are there with our clients every step of the way. We need to know and understand their challenges and struggles in order to come up with solutions that will help. We can clearly see that the basic technology widely available today is making their lives more difficult

than they have to be. I feel very privileged in being a part of changing that.”

The future looks bright for Handico and those using their products, but there is still some way to go before their technology can reach everyone in need of it. “We hope that in the near future, decision makers will stop looking at the price tags of development, focusing on what the products are able to do rather than what they will cost,” says Vihma. “There is nothing we want more than help people live up to their own abilities rather than being stopped by their disabilities.”

For more information, please visit: www.handico.fi

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

Your body is a motor: the ergonomic chair that helps people maintain mobility. Armi Activechair is marketed mainly for individuals but also has a lot of potential for expansion to care homes and health clinics.

Your body is a motor – the ergonomic chair that helps people maintain mobility The Armi Activechair is a unique Finnish innovation where the person sitting is able to get up with minimal effort. By pressing down on the armrest, the chair’s mechanism props the person up – making this a very valuable tool for people with diminished mobility.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Armi Activechair

“An 82-year-old lady was unable to get up from her chair, so she had to sit for hours waiting for a care assistant to arrive to help her up – that is how the story of the Armi Activechair began,” explains Jorma Eerola, Research and Design Director at TamErgo, the company behind Armi Activechair. The chair is an ergonomic product designed for older people, people with arthritis and those who suffer from poor muscle strength. The chair’s armrest and seat both tilt, making getting up naturally easy by simply leaning forward. The chair does the rest of the work.

The chair can also be used for exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, which in turn helps to prevent falls. “Most of our customers sit down in the chair

and decide straight away that they want to buy it. It is so easy to use, and the fact that you are made able to get up without assistance is a huge deal for many people with a range of mobility issues,” says Petri Palo-oja, Managing Director of TamErgo.

marketed mainly for individuals but also has a lot of potential for expansion to care homes and health clinics. “At the moment the chair is available in Finland, Japan and the US. We will be expanding to Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK later on this year. There is a huge potential for the chair, with an ageing population we will need to start looking at increasing ways to help people with their mobility,” states Palo-oja.

“We combined mechanics with ergonomics: although the only motor in the chair is the person sitting – by leaning forward, they are able to get up unassisted. We find it crucial that people keep moving; staying still weakens muscles and quickens degeneration, so this will help many people maintain their independence for much longer,” says Palo-oja.

The chair is the first of its kind and has sparked huge international interest. It is

For more information, please visit: www.armi-aktiivituoli.fi

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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Welfare Technology in Finland

Balance your way to a better posture When Antti Limingoja founded his company, Humantool, over 30 years ago, he was sure of one thing: the importance of movement for the human body. He started designing ergonomic chairs that would improve and ultimately revolutionise the way people sit. From pilots’ backrests to sport equipment, his proudest innovation is the Humantool saddle.

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Humantool

You can easily place the Humantool saddle on top of an ordinary chair or office chair, and it automatically gives you a healthy posture. Each Humantool saddle is handmade in Pyhäjoki, near the Bay of Bothnia in Finland. The saddle combines two great ancient inventions: the ball and the saddle, ensuring a natural sitting position that gives the pelvis movement. This helps strengthen the core, improve posture and relieve common neck, shoulder and back pains – all problems people are suffering from. “The

ball’s construction makes the motion of the saddle possible in all directions, and its anatomically correct design ensures the most natural position,” explains Limingoja.

The swinging and balancing movements activate the body and different muscles during the work time, without you noticing. The saddle is great for both heavy and light exercising, making it suitable for office workers, home use, sportsmen, as well as older people.

“While doing breathing exercises, I noticed how our posture affects our intake of oxygen.

We have a tendency to crouch down while sitting, which makes breathing very shallow. Constant sitting spoils our bodies: our bodies were made to move. By sitting upright we get up to three times more air, which in turn improves our overall health,” Limingoja says.

ABOVE: “By sitting upright we get up to three times more air, which in turn improves our overall health,” says Antti Limingoja, designer and founder.

LEFT: You can easily place the Humantool saddle on top of an ordinary chair or office chair, and it automatically gives you a healthy posture.

The Humantool saddle is available worldwide and has been highly recommended by healthcare specialists.

For more information, please visit: www.humantool.com

At the forefront of digital healthcare Compassion-driven communication is key for digital healthcare startup NetMedi.

Putting the needs of the patient first, the ambitious team of software developers aims to improve traditional patient-doctor communication.

By Nina Lindqvist

“Previously all remote, treatment-related communication was done through emails, text messages and phone calls. NetMedi provides patients and medical staff with an online, user-friendly, secure communication platform for individual, first-class care,” Lauri Sippola, CEO of NetMedi, explains.

NetMedi was founded in 2012 and has a dedicated team of software developers at the main office in Helsinki. Kaiku, their first product originally for cancer patients, was created through co-operation with healthcare professionals and extensive feedback from patients. The result: effective, effortless, patient-driven reporting.

“We recognised a demand among patients receiving long-term treatment to easily communicate regularly with medical staff. Kaiku documents everything in one place, is patientdriven, keeping medical staff updated on treatment effects at a highly accurate level,” says Sippola, describing NetMedi as a forerunner in patient-centred medical software.

78 | Issue 74 | March 2015

Besides working with Finland-based cancer centre Docrates, one of Europe's most modern cancer hospitals, NetMedi’s software is used by hospitals in Sweden and Switzerland. Next is entering the German market, and discovering new uses for their software. “Our software is also used by infertility clinics in Finland. Cancer and infertility treatmentwise would seem to have nothing in common, but both are longlasting processes which subject patients to a great deal of stress. Our software can improve the quality of communication and outcome follow-up in many cases,” Sippola explains.

User-friendliness has always been a key priority for NetMedi, whose software can be used on any computer, tablet or smart phone.

The resoundingly positive feedback from patients confirms the requirement was fulfilled.

“We are exhilarated by the response. Patients really value the chance to effortlessly follow-up their own treatment better.”

TOP: Lauri Sippola is the CEO of modern healthcare software provider NetMedi. Photo: Juhapekka Tukiainen. BOTTOM: NetMedi’s user friendly software Kaiku can be used on any device and ensures the fastest and most effortless patient-driven reporting.

Photo: Juho Lappalainen

For more information, please visit: www.netmedi.fi

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

With four meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 14 to 100 and 32 bedrooms, Hotel HøjbySø has something to offer everyone.

Hotel of the Month, Denmark

Hygge at Hotel HøjbySø Sitting at your desk all day gets tiring, and once in a while you need a change of scenery to be as productive as you can be. Hotel HøjbySø gives you the opportunity to have meetings, parties or simply a mini-break in a beautiful setting with good company and lots of ‘hygge’.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Hotel HøjbySø

Hygge is that word that all Danes rave about, and which has no equivalent in the English language. It is an experience, an emotion and a frame of mind, and it usually involves candles. At Hotel HøjbySø you can experience hygge first-hand. When you step through the door friendly staff greet you, and you get a welcome from the owner, Ilse Holst, who lives at the hotel and is there to help you feel at home.

The hotel is situated in Denmark’s only Geopark, which is an area recognised for its unique geological heritage, giving it a distinctive location not found anywhere

else in Denmark. The hotel is named after, and has direct access to, the local lake, Højby Sø, which you can walk around for most of the way. Hotel HøjbySø is located in Højby, which is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, and a two-hour ferry trip from Aarhus.

With four meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 14 to 100, there is something for all organisations. These rooms can also be used to host events, whether personal or professional. It is the perfect place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and get a change of scenery to get

the most out of everyone. Food is also provided and “everything is made with love” according to Holst. The hotel also boasts a room of ‘hygge’ where you can play pool and do some team bonding, and with a golf course only 1km away there is bound to be entertainment for all.

If you are looking for a mini-break then the hotel has 32 rooms, perfect for a weekend away or a longer relaxing stay. If you have young children, then Sommerland Sjælland, an activity park, is just 1km away. “I want people to have an experience of hygge, in a homely atmosphere and with good personal service,” Holst says, and that is exactly what you will get if you choose to stay at Hotel HøjbySø.

For more information, please visit: www.hotelhoejbysoe.dk

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

A dream come true: “I wanted to build a new hotel after my own mind – my own perception of what it should be. We opened for business in 2013 and the rest has proved nothing short of a success story,” says owner Stig Fische.

Hotel of the Month, Norway

Supremely matchless – the hotel of dreams While it may be easy to call any hotel with an eye to splendour unique, you have not encountered uniqueness in its right suit before you’ve stepped into the lobby of Støtvig Hotel. Spawned from the passionate idea of Stig Fische and realised through meticulous attention to detail and unmatched devotion to spectacular results, this hotel will leave you in awe. Unsure of where to begin? Perhaps the hotel’s bowling alley, or its replica of the cinema built for the White House is a good starting point.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Støtvig Hotel

“The hotel is situated outside the city, and it was therefore quite crucial that it carried a particular kind of entertainment value,” says Stig Fische, entrepreneur and owner of Larkollen-based Støtvig Hotel.

“The particular features like the cinema and bowling alley are also inspired by my own life. I grew up in the States to some extent, and found it interesting incorporating American memorabilia and cultural aspects into the hotel.” He pauses, adding that he has also purchased a life-size shark figure from cult movie Jaws to complement the atmosphere of popular culture. “We own one of the six figures used in the movie. Straight from Martha’s Vine-

80 | Issue 73 | February 2015

yard – where the films were shot – to us.

Quite something, huh?”

A success story Indeed it is. Having grown up near Larkollen and spent time at the first Støtvig Hotel in his formative years, Fische explains he had always felt a strong connection to the hotel. After a period managing some of Norway’s best-known hotels (from Geilo’s Dr. Holm’s Hotel to Lillehammer’s Mølla) and stayed at what he estimates to be around 350-400 other guesthouses, Fische had formed an idea of what his ideal hotel should be like. Its perfect location? Home. “I was every ar-

chitect’s worst nightmare,” he says of the first attempts at drawing up his plans, after tearing down the 100-year-old former hotel building in 2010. “I wanted to build the new hotel after my own mind – my own perception of what it should be.

Eventually we opened for business in 2013 and the rest has proved nothing short of a success story.”

Bowling, movies at the White House and a cooking theatre Emphasis at Støtvig is – truly – on the story.

Fische’s entrepreneurial spirit permeates every wall, nook and corner, and so does his obvious aptitude to dream big. Beyond the hotel’s replica of the movie theatre found in the East Wing of the American President’s home and the adjacent four-lane 1930s bowling alley, Støtvig Hotel offers plenty of opportunities to create story-book memories of your own. No matter the type of visit, there is nothing the hotel cannot provide.

Fische highlights Kokketeateret [the ‘cooking theatre’] as a personal favourite, where

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway

culinary indulgences and social nights go hand in hand. “Groups of several people can cook meals of up to eight courses together, and enjoy the making of every dish before digging in. Then a wine tasting can be enjoyed in our private cellar,” explains Fische, before adding that there is also a family diner to be found next to to the bowling alley, as well as two bars – Woodie Bar (a lobby bar named after the hotel’s own 1946 Ford Woody station wagon) and Baugen Bar (a vintage American sports bar featuring authentic photography of Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy).

Additional meals can be relished in the 801 Oslofjord main restaurant, where menus are alternated to keep palates enticed and chefs challenged. “We found it necessary to expand the main kitchen and restaurant quite soon after opening, to accommodate the high demand,” says Fische. “New Nordic cuisine is favoured and the interest for it is growing at a tremendous rate, but the restaurant also uses the delights of the whole world to meet our guests’ every wish. In coming times we will be offering an ‘Around the world in four weekends’ menu, where we dip into several world cuisines.”

A conference unlike any other Activities, meals and accommodation can be adapted to all conference parties, who are in for a real treat no matter what happenings or meals are made part of the stay. And, after a long and eventful day filled to the brim with memories, no less than 80 splendidly decorated rooms are the welcoming icing on an otherwise perfect cake. To amp up your stay even further, you can also stay in one of the 10 individually decorated suites named after famous people with a connection to the area. People who have – much like Fische – made a mark on their surroundings.

“The experience has exceeded all my expectations,” says Fische when asked if the dream of the ideal hotel came true.

“It’s amazing – that’s all I can say.”

For more information, please visit: www.stotvighotel.com

TOP: Enjoy a meal at the hotel’s 801 Oslofjord main restaurant, where menus are alternated to keep palates enticed. MIDDLE: Hotel Director Laila Aarstrand (left) and owner Stig Fische (right) in front of the hotel’s own 1946 Ford Woody station wagon. BOTTOM: Luxurious and laidback: Støtvig Hotel offers a place to rest and recharge those batteries in grand style.

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland

Spa Hotel Peurunka offers customers a wide range of feel-good activities. In addition to the wide range of both outdoor and indoor activities, Spa Hotel Peurunka also offers something for all taste buds.

Hotel of the Month, Finland

Go on, you deserve it We all need some pampering from time to time, and when we do, convenience and comfort are key terms.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Spa Hotel Peurunka

A true feel-good centre, where pampering isn’t optional but mandatory, can be found by one of the quintessentially Finnish lakes: namely that of Peurunka. Spa Hotel Peurunka has been entertaining families and business clients since the early 70s. It has been renewed continuously and extensively over the years in order to meet new demands, and it continues to be a hot spot holiday destination in Finland.

“Spa Hotel Peurunka is all about making sure that the customers leave healthy, happy and with a smile on their face,” says Vesa Väänänen, head of client relations.

This shouldn’t be a difficult task. The Spa Hotel offers customers a wide range of feel-good activities. “Our biggest attraction is by far our spa, which was renewed in 2012 and includes a 132 metre long

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water slide and several different kinds of pools,” says Väänänen. There certainly doesn’t seem to be a lack of activities going on at Spa Hotel Peurunka. Those looking to be truly indulged may want to head to the day spa for some traditional relaxation, while those looking for something a bit different and more physical might want to try out glow-in-the-dark bowling, amongst many other things. Peurunka is no stranger to large scale events either.

The Peurunka Arena, which is situated close by the spa hotel, continues to host events such as the WinterExtremeRun. This event was first arranged back in 2013 and attracted as many as 1,500 visitors.

In addition to the wide range of both outdoor and indoor activities, Spa Hotel Peurunka also offers something for all taste

buds. “We have four different restaurants, all with different themes. In other words, something for everyone,” Väänänen concludes. Comfort, convenience and accessibility are all key for a pampering holiday destination, something that Peurunka offers in abundance. “We want customers to be happy, feel good and most importantly to have a genuinely comfortable and easy vacation,” Väänänen emphasises.

With the ever-increasing pace and demands of the modern world, it’s comforting to know that there are places such as Spa Hotel Peurunka, which aims at nourishing both mind, body and soul. The place to go to when you want to live a little, and laugh a lot.

For more information, please visit: www.peurunka.fi

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Around 10,000 people visit Struer Museum every year, often with particular interest in the vintage electronic items representing the impressive history of Bang & Olufsen.

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

Experience an industrial adventure that changed a city Only a few companies have influenced a city to such an extent as the electronic giant Bang & Olufsen. At Struer Museum you can take a trip down memory lane, viewing all of the famous appliances.

By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Struer Museum

Every year around 10,000 people visit Struer Museum to see their many, interesting exhibitions – such as the history of the railroad centre and the house of the famous author Johannes Buchholtz. Visitors come from all over Denmark and during summertime many people from Germany and Holland also stop by the museum. They come in particular to witness the exhibition of the electronic company Bang & Olufsen. “We have all the well-known appliances from Bang & Olufsen and through these we tell the story of a local brand that became one of the strongest international electronic brands. Our visitors often find it amusing to see the radio they used to record their wedding speeches, or the music player they bought with their first salary and so on,” says Jesper Bækgaard, who is the museum director at Struer Museum. The

entire Bang & Olufsen collection was given to the museum in 2008, when the museum’s new prism-shaped premises were inaugurated.

“Bang & Olufsen was founded in 1927 on a field just outside Struer, but as time went by it actually became its own city.

They had their own lampposts, manhole covers and road signs. These are all things that can be seen at our museum today,” says Bækgaard. The city of Bang & Olufsen slowly grew together with the rest of Struer, but its influence on the city did not stop there. Some of the employees at Bang & Olufsen started working on other things, which led to new companies being founded – for instance Struer Kayak, which for many years dominated the sport and won Olympic and World Cup Medals.

“The museum is full of such stories. To

make sure more stories are being added, we encourage our visitors to write down their memories in our city chronicler. It is a database, which can also be found on our webpage, of small stories and knowledge on various topics, where you can explore the different years. We have several digital solutions like this, because we would like people to contribute so they can become part of the future narrative,” says Bækgaard.

For more information, please visit: www.struermuseum.dk

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway

RIGHT: The centre’s main target audience remains the young scientists, curious about the world they inhabit. Photo: Annette Lill Hauge

Attraction of the Month, Norway

A new view of science in Trondheim As the Norwegian capital of science, boasting highly regarded science institutions and the Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim is perhaps the most suitable travel destination for young and old Einsteins. Amping up the range of immersive science experiences by investing in Norway’s first and only 3D multimedia theatre and planetarium, Vitensenteret in Trondheim (Trondheim Science Center) looks to a future where a wider scope – and view – of science is accessible to all.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Vitensenteret in Trondheim

Imagine taking a seat in a dome that offers a 360-degree view of the greater world and the space around it – from the moon, by a swift trip around the asteroid belt, through the orbit of Jupiter to the outer limitations of the world. Instead of watching the screen, you are part of it.

Instead of observing facts, you are immersed in them. The result? An incredible experience and learning opportunity, according to Martin Kulhawczuk, Head of Education at Vitensenteret in Trondheim.

“It’s absolutely spectacular being part of such a high-tech representation of science. The experience is truly immersive; there are no real restrictions to what you can learn about and be part of, especially not since everything happens in 3D,” he says enthusiastically.

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Aiming to entertain and enlighten locals and tourists (76,000 of whom already visit the centre yearly) with the theatre in the coming years, Vitensenteret’s staff are positive about the impacts the construction will have on both young and older minds. Beyond offering a sublime platform to learn and engage with knowledge in a fun, new way while at school age, the theatre poses exciting prospects for businesses and students. “Businesses who want to host conferences and courses at the multimedia theatre will have a splendid opportunity to engage their employees in an innovative way, whereas students may be able to use it for visual research,” says Kulhawczuk.

Yet, the centre’s main target audience will always be young scientists, curious about

the world they inhabit. Focusing time and resources on making science accessible and commonplace for kids of all ages, is what matters, Kulhawczuk believes. “Children need to be able to engage in the material, to feel as close to it as possible.

That’s why we always bring in interactive exhibits,” he says, adding that he hopes to be able to present a MakerSpace workshop at the centre in the near future. “It’s an arena for creative entrepreneurs – I’d love to introduce that.”

Vitensenteret’s proposed multimedia theatre will offer a sublime platform to learn and engage with knowledge in a fun, new way.

For more information, please visit: www.vitensenteret.com

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Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland

Kilpisjärvi is an optimal spot for seeing the famous Northern Lights, called ‘fox fires’ in Finnish.

Attraction of the Month, Finland

Clear skies over the tundra: Tundrea – a gateway to the beautiful North The only genuine tundra landscape in Finland. The highest peaks, moulded soft by the Ice Age and covered in pristine powder snow, perfect for sledding, downhill skiing, hiking and fishing, all year round. Oh, and the best air in Europe (yes, really). Tundrea in Finnish Lapland is situated in the middle of a pristine pearl of unspoilt nature.

By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Tundrea

Located by the shores of Lake Kilpisjärvi and the foot of the impressive Saana fell, Tundrea is a full-service holiday centre catering to families, groups and single travellers alike. “There is a lot that is unique about this area,” explains CEO Sauli Vanhapiha. “The tundra biome and the fells, for instance. Our skiing season is longer than elsewhere and lasts until early May. The conditions are perfect in spring – the sun is really warm but snow is virtually guaranteed. It’s not unusual to see skiers in bikinis on the slopes!” In the vicinity lies Halti, Finland’s highest peak.

The fells are here to be conquered: in winter by sled, ski or snowshoe – in summer by hiking.

Snowmobile treks and ice fishing are also popular here, with a large ice fishing competition arranged in mid-May. And for

Midsummer in June, there is – incredibly – a cross-country skiing competition. But summer also brings activities of a more normal variety: there is hang-gliding from the peaks, fishing in Lake Kilpisjärvi and hiking along multiple trails. Tundrea is on the Arctic Trail, covering 800 km and three countries. The beautiful ruska season in autumn, when the landscape turns a fiery red and yellow, is a popular time for longer hikes.

Tundrea offers several different types of accommodation, including fully-equipped chalets and apartments. For those looking to fish and hunt, there are also the Luongasloma chalets by the picturesque Muonionjoki River and rapids. And, should you like to bring your home with you, there is a well-equipped caravan park. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, as

well as catering outdoors and takeaway to your rooms. For groups there are special evenings arranged in Sami huts, with dinner cooked traditionally over an open fire.

Kilpisjärvi is an optimal spot for seeing the famous Northern Lights, called “fox fires” in Finnish. Ancient myths say the lights are sparks trailing the fire fox as he runs across the sky. “The skies here are often clear, with little interference from street lights. We even get visitors coming over from Norway to see the lights better,” smiles Sauli. Beauty, peace and stunning nature: Tundrea is a gateway to the very best of the North, all in one place.

For more information, please visit: tundrea.com

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Copenhagen Street Food is the capital’s first market of its kind. The market offers guests an array of street food experiences as well as events and music.

Restaurant of the Month, Denmark

Green ambitions on the menu The dream of reducing the carbon footprint of food is what drives Jesper Julian Møller, the man behind two successful, eco-friendly restaurants and initiator of a new street food market. In the process the chef is supporting the biodynamic farm Thorshøjgård, fostering green food entrepreneurs – and slowly taking over Copenhagen Harbour with new food ventures.

By Signe Hansen | Main Photo: René Roslev

Seven years ago, Møller served his (and Denmark’s) first CO2-reduced Christmas lunch at Restaurant Julian at the National Museum. The menu, which he created on the request of the then Danish Minister for Food, became the beginning of a new era for him, his restaurant and the Danish food mentality. “I’ve always been very interested in the origin of my ingredients, where they are from and how they are made. I love visiting farms and talking to people who are enthusiastic about what they do. But up until 2008 what everyone wanted was exotic foreign

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food. I couldn’t make anyone interested in Danish food, people would rather have fresh tuna from Sri Lanka or pineapples from wherever,” explains Møller, and adds: “Today, local ingredients are one of the things that define the Nordic kitchen, and the menus I create are not that different from what you see in many of the best Nordic restaurants – but when we started, they were.”

Growing biodynamically Møller’s advances within food and sustainability were soon noticed, and in 2009

Restaurant Julian was chosen to cater a gala dinner during The Climate Summit in Copenhagen. A couple of years after, driven by the desire to take the ecofriendly dining experience even further, Møller opened Toldboden Harbour Eatery and Bar in an old custom house restored and refurbished with recycled timber and jetsam. The ambition was to become the leading sustainable venue in the North. Advised by agricultural researchers from Copenhagen’s University on how to reduce their menus’ carbon footprint, both restaurants serve food based on local, sustainable and free-range ingredients.

Sharing is caring While much of the new Nordic food movement’s focus on seasonal, local food has been centred on its superior quality, freshness and taste, Møller’s main drive

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Denmark

“I’ve known Niels since 2008, and I’ve been very worried about him and his farm because of the bureaucratic, economic and personal difficulties he is facing (Niels’ dreams and fears are the focus of the inspiring documentary Good Things Await).” Møller says and adds: “I actually ended up proposing to buy his farm; it was his reply to my proposal that made me come up with the idea for Copenhagen Street Food. He said – if one person owns something there is never enough for everyone, but if you share it, there is plenty.” This idea caused Møller to create the food market Copenhagen Street Food as an association owned and run by the participating vendors. The market, which is located in an old warehouse in Copenhagen harbour, fosters small and newly started street chefs, and, at the same time, the association supports Thorshøjgård by donating 5DKK per bottle of sold spring water. Last year the association Copenhagen Street Food donated 400,000 DKK to Thorshøjgaard and the conservation of The Original Red Danish Dairy Breed.

But while that might seem a lot to achieve, the dream does not stop there for Møller.

“I dream about having at least three places in Copenhagen’s harbour, so I have to keep working on new ideas,” he laughs and adds: “My dream is to be the King of the Harbour!”

Restaurant Julian Restaurant Julian is situated inside the Danish National Museum and is open every day for lunch, and for brunch in the weekends.

The restaurant is also available for dinner and party bookings and is a particularly popular conference venue with companies wishing to further their green profile and enjoy the historic settings that Restaurant Julian offers The Money Menu for large groups inspired by the antiquities from the exhibition which are on the Danish banknotes. For this menu Restaurant Julian uses ingredients from the different regions in Denmark, where the antiquities were found.

Photos: Restaurant Julian

was to create a better and more sustainable food industry. In this he was inspired greatly by one of Denmark’s last and most dedicated biodynamic farmers, Niels Stokholm, whose farm Thorshøjgård delivers meat to some of the best restaurants in Copenhagen.

For more information, opening hours and contact details please visit: www.restaurantjulian.com

Toldboden Harbour Eatery and Bar Toldboden is situated by Kastellet with a view of the water, The Operahouse and The Royal Yacht and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks from April.

The venue is also available for conference and party bookings all year round.

The venue comprises the Harbour Grill (outdoor and indoor), the After Work Bar and an outdoor Sea Bar, open every day (depending on weather conditions),

Photo: Toldboden

and Weekend Brunch Buffet, Saturday and Sunday. During the season you can experience live music and DJs.

Both Toldboden and Restaurant Julian are prominent members of the KLIMA+ initiative, which aims to help restaurants reduce their carbon footprint.

For more information, opening hours and contact details please visit: www.toldboden.com

Photo: Christian Radil

Copenhagen Street Food

The market includes 27 street kitchens and four bars and a coffee wagon focusing on sustainability – all stalls are built of old shipping con-

tainers and old caravans., You can get a meal for DKK 50-75 which you can share with family and friends. At Copenhagen Street Food you can enjoy street food, events, live music and DJs. Photo: René Roslev

Copenhagen Street Food is located in an old warehouse on the Paper Island near Nyhavn and the Royal Operahouse and Playhouse. It is open all year round, Friday–Sunday during winter and all week during summer.

For more information, opening hours and contact details please visit: www.copenhagenstreetfood.dk

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Restaurant of the Month, Norway

Spiseriet: gastronomic compositions by culinary champions When it comes to culinary excellence, the White Guide is not to be doubted. Listing the very best of Nordic restaurants and culinary institutions in their compendia, any foodie reader is well advised in advance of their next gastronomic experience – one we can only hope will take place at Stavanger-based culinary champion Spiseriet. The restaurant has made ‘simple, well-made and tasty’ its slogan and impressed countless guests with a straight-forward approach to fine dining. Welcome to a table you will not want to leave for anything.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Spiseriet

“It’s a real feather in one’s cap being mentioned in White Guide Nordic,” says Raymond Helland, General Manager at Spiseriet. “We have put in a great deal of work to get to where we are today. Last year saw us receive several awards, so being listed in the White Guide right before Christmas was a great present for all of the staff!”

Heartfelt triumph – a recipe for success However extravagant the various accolades may sound (some of which include

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the newspaper Aftenbladet’s award for excellent quality and taste, also emphasising the use of local produce and knowledge of provenance), the core philosophy of Spiseriet is centred on simplicity. “We want to be a restaurant for the common man, if you will. The language of our menus is clear, simple and precise, without any additional points that only serve confusion. The same values go for the final presentation on each plate: we want everyone to see exactly what they are hav-

ing, presenting them with nothing but great produce. This creates a wonderful harmony that really strikes the everyday restaurant guest – it’s simple, thorough and good.”

Harbouring such a blatantly prosperous recipe for success at the very foundation of the business, it is not difficult to see why triumph gravitates towards the restaurant in all forms and aspects. Nothing can be more illustrative of this than the business’s heart – its kitchen – currently housing Norway’s best chef, Christian André Pettersen. Having won several gold medals for his remarkable skills in cooking, he topped off 2014 by winning the Norwegian Championship in culinary arts – a rare feat for a mere 25-year-old chef. The achievement earned Pettersen a spot at the Nordic Championships, to be held in Denmark in June this year. Helland

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

At Stavanger-based Spiseriet, meals are simple, well-made and tasty – without leaving out the high level of quality the restaurant is so often commended for.

is noticeably proud of his employees and their achievements, from championship medals to their day-to-day efforts. “Behind Spiseriet is a whole team that works to cultivate and pursue the ultimate experience of a meal. Everyone who works with us is part of the success and should receive credit for their work. Our guests have the highest importance for us, and accolades such as a White Guide listing motivate us to keep improving and developing the way we deliver,” says Helland.

The golden touch has surely rubbed off on younger staff at Spiseriet: two of the restaurant’s trainees, Arja Pedersen and Kim Lamram, recently grabbed hold of the Norwegian Championship gold medal for apprentice chefs under sous chef Andrè Slettvoll’s coaching. They are set to defend the top spot as they meet other Scandinavian teams at the Nordic Championships in Trondheim in April.

sense of quality in the entire dining experience – so much so that you may find it difficult to leave. “It’s not just the food – it’s about pairing it with the good wines, making guests feel cared for, and going that extra mile,” Helland adds enthusiastically.

The desire to stretch for the utmost quality and diversity in their cooking has manifested itself in the menu at Spiseriet. By changing the menu every other week throughout the year, compositions are kept seasonal and new, always keeping staff challenged and guests longing for more. Guests planning a visit in March can look forward to an array of seasonally savoury seafood, with everything from

mussels and oysters to langoustines presented on the menu – all splendid representatives of the finest, Norwegian fresh cuisine. “Part of our goal is to keep searching for ways to challenge perceptions of what a meal can be. At Spiseriet meals are simple, well-made and tasty – composed by the finest of ingredients in novel ways,” concludes Helland.

For more information, please visit: spiseriet.no Phone: +47 40001324 Email: post@spiseriet.no

Culinary compositions in the Concert Hall It is palpable that people hold as high a position on Spiseriet’s list of attentions as high-quality food is prominent on the ever-changing menu. Beyond caring for the knowledgeable and skilled staff, Helland is adamant in his emphasis on great customer care. “The experience of a meal is so much more than what is on your plate. It’s also about what surrounds you; what complements the tastes and the atmosphere,” he says in a subtle nod to the restaurant’s distinctive location in Stavanger Concert Hall, further adding to a

Noted in White Guide Nordic: “It was revealed just before Christmas, so it was a great present for all of the staff!” says General Manager Raymond Helland.

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

In addition to its devoted Finnish clientele, the restaurant attracts tourists who are looking to experience something typically Finnish while surrounded by some of the most beautiful sceneries that Helsinki has to offer

Restaurant of the Month, Finland

A constant in a world of variables In one of the most elegant streets in one of the most beautiful parts of Helsinki, Sea Horse, a legendary Finnish restaurant, has hosted guests since 1934. The unpretentious and rather cheeky green neon sign above the entrance door is an early indication of an eccentric national treasure hidden inside.

By Karin Zilliacus | Photos: Sea Horse Restaurant

Sea Horse is not your typical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;restaurant of the momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In fact, it is a bit of a rebel in today's restaurant industry, where menus change almost daily and exotic ingredients as well as carefully chosen interiors are at the centre of attention. Sea Horse is none of those things, nor does it aim to be. This is a restaurant that prides itself in serving excellent traditional Finnish food ordered off a menu that has no intention of changing. Furthermore, it is served in an elegant

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yet simple decor that has remained the same throughout the years.

Humble excellence There is something wonderfully unpretentious and direct about the restaurant that seems to appeal to so many. In fact, restaurant manager Sanna Korpela embodies those exact traits. She tells us that she has been working for the restaurant for almost ten years, and that she began

her career at Sea Horse as an extra helping hand during the Christmas rush of 2005. Korpela also shares with us that one of the current owners was so impressed by their first visit to Sea Horse, that they decided that one day they would like to own it. One has to wonder if Korpela herself decided similarly on her first day about running the restaurant.

The food offers that same unfussy yet determined style that certainly aims for perfection. Some of the most popular items on the menu include crispy fried Baltic herrings, traditional cabbage rolls and fillet of reindeer. There is something wonderfully democratic about the restaurant, perhaps a reflection of Finnish society

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Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland

which prides itself on its highly democratic values. It is refreshingly unpretentious, a bit like the Finns themselves. “The customers leave their title with the doorman” the restaurant literature tells us. In other words, every customer is treated with equal amounts of friendly and polite service.

Location, location, location The location of the restaurant cannot be emphasised enough, as it is indeed quite splendid. The building is in fact a Jugend castle and quite a setting for the legendary establishment. During the warmer months guests are able to enjoy the restaurant terrace as well. “The terrace comes with guaranteed sunlight all day, as long as the sun is out that is,” Korpela says.

In addition to its devoted Finnish clientele, the restaurant also attracts tourists who are looking to experience something typically Finnish while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery that Helsinki has to offer. Korpela explains that Japanese tourists have become a permanent fixture at the restaurant, lapping up the quintessential Finnish atmosphere and food. This is a welcome development.

“In the future, I would like to see further venturing beyond national borders,” Korpela adds.

A place of legends The clientele ranges from students to artists and ministers – not to mention quite a few celebrities. In fact, the restaurant has hosted some pretty impressive historical figures, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, novelist Pablo Neruda and worldrenowned trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to name a few.

One of the first things that catches the eye upon entering the restaurant is a sign indicating that photography should be avoided.

This is due to the restaurant wanting to preserve a more traditional atmosphere, but also because of the celebrity guests who frequent the restaurant. Sea Horse wants to offer a place of discretion. The second thing that catches one’s eye is the beautiful painting depicting sea horses swimming amongst waves on the restaurant’s wall. These were painted at night time by two art students, although there are stories about a penniless artist who repaid his debt by painting them, and it has even been suggested that the janitor of the Ateneum art museum created the painting.

The many stories surrounding the restaurant add a distinctive touch and give the eatery a warm and fuzzy feeling, almost like they you are in on an exclusive secret.

This is where you go when you need a break from the hustle of the modern world and where you can expect a carefully cared for culinary experience without the fuss. Sea Horse offers the diner a comforting constant in a world where everything is changing at an ever increasing speed. As Korpela so bluntly yet charmingly puts it: “Why fix something that isn’t broken?”

For more information, please visit: www.seahorse.fi

Sea Horse is a restaurant that prides itself on serving excellent traditional Finnish food ordered off a menu that has no intention of changing.

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Scan Magazine | Business | Key Note

Scan Business Key Note 92 | Business Profiles 93 | Conferences of the Month 95 | Business Calendar 98 | Business Column 98

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The Engineer with more land than the Queen?

An article caught my eye recently. The great-great-granddaughter of British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel had taken a ride in a paper boat. She did this to show young people that engineering degrees can open doors to amazing opportunities.

By Annika Åman-Goodwille, Executive Chairman of Goodwille Limited

A few weeks earlier I had read, with great interest, Time Magazine, which had published a comprehensive article about James Dyson’s achievements. James Dyson is an engineer who made billions by designing the bagless cyclone vacuum cleaner. According to Time Magazine, he owns more land than the Queen. Dyson’s fighting spirit has long been famous, as has his resentment of both naysayers and the lack of “can-do” in British industry.

He’s convinced that inventors and engineers have never had the respect they deserve. This is one reason, Dyson points out, why Britain is now short of 60,000 engineers – a number that will become a 200,000 shortfall within two years. The latest proposal by Theresa May, the UK Home Secretary, to send overseas students back home when they graduate is crazy, he says. He adds that 90 per cent of those doing PhDs and post graduate research in engineering and sciences come from outside the EU, and the idea that we

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should send them back to their homelands is ridiculous.

What happened to the Brunel and the British industrial legacy that was so proudly celebrated at the Olympic opening ceremony? When I arrived in the UK in the 1980s I was astonished at the relatively low status of engineers in the UK. I was amazed at how little one discussed engineering companies compared to this discussion in my home country, Sweden.

There, engineering was a career, a profession to which one aspired. It still is. Indeed, Percy Barnevik was the first ever non-engineer to run a large Swedish industrial company when he was appointed CEO of ABB as recently as 1988.

So why did Brunel’s British industrial legacy not live on? According to Dyson: “The main problem is cultural. In schools and in our culture, engineers are not people who are revered in any way. It’s not a

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profession that many people aspire to and neither is manufacturing, which is beyond pale. This is because the industrial revolution wasn’t created by aristocrats. It was created by the lower middle class and the middle class. The British aspire to whatever aristocrats want. So literature, art, culture and oddly enough banking are OK for aristocrats.”

Let’s hope that the great-great-granddaughter of Brunel and others will do more to promote engineering, so Britain can yet again become a great nation of clever engineers and continue Brunel’s engineering legacy.

Annika Åman-Goodwille www.goodwille.co.uk

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Scan Magazine | Business | Business in Denmark

Exercise for the bedridden Everyone needs exercise, no one more than bedbound patients who can, in just a week, lose about 20 per cent of muscle mass. Atlin, a reforming training robot, offers a painand stress-free way of keeping muscles and nerves activated for even the weakest of patients.

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Atlinas

Developed by Director and founder of Atlinas Ltd, Knud Andreasen, Atlin looks set to cut both the cost and time as well as the pain currently involved in rehabilitating bedbound patients. “Unfortunately it takes no time to lose muscle mass, but it can take months to rebuild it. As a rule of thumb it takes up to four times longer to rebuild muscle mass than to lose it,” explains Andreasen.

Atlin functions via a set of pedals that move in a straight line, avoiding strenuous circular motions while adjusting the resistance to the pressure applied by its user. The training robot not only makes it easier for patients to get back to their normal life, it also reduces the risk of

blood clots and helps patients fight boredom, restlessness and poor appetite.

“Everybody needs exercise and everybody can get it, apart from the bedridden, who have to wait until they can get up and get to where the training equipment is. With Atlin, however, even they can get started straight away,” emphasises Andreasen and adds: “The machine is so sensitive that even the weakest of patients can use it.”

Today, Atlin is in the process of being tested at Odense University Hospital.

For more information, please visit: www.atlinas.com

Enabling E real

aachievement M Mannaz an is an international frontrunner in leadership development.

Ado Adopting innovative and efficient learning methods and approaches, w wee empower people development and business success.

You Y ou can subscribe to our monthly newsletter M Knowledge aand nd learn more at www.mannaz.com/intl

The Atlin training robot decreases the loss of muscle mass, reduces the risk of blood clots and helps bedbound patients fight boredom, restlessness and poor appetite.

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Scan Magazine | Business | Business in Denmark

One of Ergolet’s most popular products is the ErgoTrainer, which can be used alongside various fitness machines. It partially relieves a patient of his body weight, ensuring support in a fall-safe environment during therapy, enabling the patient to begin rehabilitation without undue physical strain.

Ergolet – Danish, and at the forefront of welfare technology Quality, usability and design. Three core values have made Ergolet a leading Danish company in assistive welfare technology. The small business from Korsør is growing by leaps and bounds on the international market.

will the future bring? What products will be needed? And then we make sure we are there to make it happen.”

By Sanne Wass | Photos: Ergolet

With a top score in quality and functionality, Ergolet stood out from its competition when winning a huge EU tender last December. Until 2019, the Danish company will be supplying patient transfer ceiling lift systems in all regional institutions and hospitals in Denmark’s two largest regions, including the soon to be built ‘super hospitals’. “It will open many new doors,” says Kent Hvidtfeldt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ergolet. “Working with the two largest regions in Denmark is a huge recognition of our products and company.

It means that we can expand our international market activities and be an even stronger supplier of patient transfer solutions to hospitals and nursing homes.”

Ergolet’s welfare equipment, which is designed and developed in its Danish headquarters in Korsør, is produced at Ergolet Poland and sold in more than 25 countries worldwide. Apart from a growing market in Europe, Ergolet has an increasingly im-

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portant presence in the US, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

What makes Ergolet globally recognised and respected is its emphasis on quality, usability and design when developing new products. And, with Ergolet’s total solutions, the company’s architects and consultants work closely with clients, visualising the projects to ensure the chosen product solutions are integrated optimally into the end design. “When it comes to design, we have a vision that our products must be functional and aesthetically pleasing, fitting naturally into the home or institutional environment, so you aren’t constantly reminded that it is an assistive technical aid,” says Hvidtfeldt.

Finally, Ergolet takes great pride in their spirit of innovation. Hvidtfeldt explains: “We know how the markets move and what the trends are, and we always try to be a step ahead. We ask ourselves: What

“When it comes to design, we have a vision that our products must be functional and aesthetically pleasing, so you aren’t constantly reminded that it is an assistive technical aid,” says Kent Hvidtfeldt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ergolet.

For more information, please visit: www.ergolet.com

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Scan Magazine | Business | Conference of the Month

Ten minutes outside of Hillerød you will find Danhostel Hillerød: an ideal conference location in a beautiful setting.

Conference of the Month, Denmark

“We are good at what we do” Finding the perfect place to host a conference, a meeting or just a get-together for all your employees or colleagues can be hard. Danhostel Hillerød have made the whole process a lot easier for you, offering great food, facilities and helpful staff who will make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Danhostel Hillerød

Ten minutes outside of Hillerød, the third largest city on Zealand, you find Danhostel Hillerød. The local companies and organisations are big fans of the conference centre and use it often, for everything from team building to crisis meetings, entrusting the hotel staff to satisfy their every need.

Speaking to the manager, Karin Aunstrup, you get a sense of the enthusiasm the staff have for their jobs. Everything is thought of, and the seven-hectare “ridiculously beautiful setting”, as Aunstrup describes it, makes the conference centre something special. There are plenty of facilities that will make every meeting a bit more fun, including kayaking, a mountain biking trail and even an exclusive club hidden underneath the conference rooms.

Every meeting room is also fitted with the newest technologies to make sure you

have all the resources you need, and you can even hire a team builder to help your team bond.

ways deliver more than our guests are expecting and do our utmost to accommodate everyone and everything,” says Aunstrup. You cannot really ask for more.

If you want to make sure you get the most out of a company day out, a meeting or team bonding experience, then Danhostel Hillerød is the place to host your next event.

Karin Aunstrup

The kitchen boasts three chefs, who all aim to provide you with healthy, fresh and seasonal food. “The food isn’t something you would cook at home, it’s something a bit special and different,” says Aunstrup.

Everything is made from scratch and everyone can be catered for. The atmosphere is very relaxed and homely, whilst still being professional. Set in the forest the centre offers everyone the opportunity of breathing the fresh air and relaxing, whilst still being productive.

You can choose to host a residential course, in which everyone stays at the centre, or you can simply rent a room for a day; either way you will be able to use all the facilities at Danhostel Hillerød. “We al-

For more information, please visit: hillerodhostel.dk

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Scan Magazine | Business | Conference of the Month

The Scandic Grand Marina & Marina Congress Center together offer a choice of 17 versatile meeting rooms for groups of anywhere from five to 2,500 people.

Conference of the Month, Finland

The pride of the Helsinki seafront Set in the perfect location, the Scandic Grand Marina Hotel and the Marina Congress Center offer visitors the best of experiences. Mixing modern design with a relaxing atmosphere, this accommodation and conference venue is guaranteed to inspire creativity and vision.

By Nina Lindqvist | Photos: Marina Congress Center

“We’re a full-service venue, providing individual and professional service for all our guests. Our versatility as a venue is definitely our trademark,” says Outi Nybonn, General Manager at Scandic Grand Marina & Marina Congress Center.

Both the Scandic Grand Marina Hotel and the Marina Congress Center are located in the beautiful district of Katajanokka in the heart of Helsinki. Together, they form an accommodation and conference venue perfect for visitors looking for comfort and convenience. “It is very convenient for visitors taking part in different events hosted by the congress venue to be able to stay at the Grand Marina hotel right next to the congress venue. There, they can expect the same high-quality service as that provided by the congress venue,” Nybonn stresses.

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The Scandic Grand Marina hotel is located in a former Art Nouveau-style warehouse building constructed in 1928 and designed by renowned Finnish architect Lars Sonck. In 1992, the warehouse was turned into a hotel. With its 462 rooms, the Scandic Grand Marina is the third largest hotel in Helsinki.

The Scandic Grand Marina & Marina Congress Center together offer a choice of 17 versatile meeting rooms for groups of anywhere from five to 2,500 people. The accommodation and conference venue also takes pride in its state-of-the-art technical equipment and professional skillset, as well as its perfect match of modern elegance and striking surroundings. The seaside location provides a backdrop unlike that of any other event venue in Helsinki, making the complex

the ideal place for any occasion. “Our location is what really sets us apart from our competitors. We organise all types of events, from scientific conferences and business meetings to exciting exhibitions and banquets,” Nybonn clarifies.

Everything that the capital has to offer is within walking distance from the congress venue; the buzzing Market Square, the beautifully ornamented Uspenski Cathedral with its golden domes and the magnificent, neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral dressed in powder-white, just to name a few. Visitors of the hotel and congress venue also get to enjoy delicacies prepared by the venue’s own skilled kitchen staff. The stellar location combined with the impeccable service sees visitors returning year after year. “We continuously receive positive feedback for our location, flexibility and excellent service. Hearing encouragement like that is really motivating.”

For more information, please visit: www.marinacongresscenter.com

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Scan Magazine | Business | Handy Scandi

A 12-month guarantee, fixed prices and dependable, experienced refurbishment teams make Handy Scandi the obvious choice for refurbishments in the Greater London area.

Professional tradesmen with a Handy Scandi twist Impeccable craftsmanship is at the very heart of Handy Scandi, Greater London’s most eminent supplier of highly experienced, professional Swedish tradesmen. Do you need a competent, reliable refurbishment team to help you out with flooring, tiling, carpeting or painting? Look no further than Handy Scandi.

By Julie Lindén | Photos: Handy Scandi

Scandinavian craftsmen have a reputation for being both skilled and thorough in their profession, and attention to detail is of always of the utmost importance. At Handy Scandi flawless craftsmanship is core, as the company’s belief is that there is a demand for quality and high standard all over the world.

trained and qualified by the company’s team, assuring the standard is always high. All works are carried out with a 12 month guarantee, and to avoid surprises at the end of finished works, fixed prices can be given upon request. Handy Scandi pride themselves on being on time – at all times.

Handy Scandi’s whole team is Scandinavian, and those who aren’t have been

Services offered: Express work: Need handyman services right away? Handy Scandi’s express team is available 24/7 to take care of any repair or maintenance work you need. You can choose between fixed or hourly rates.

Renovations: The competent refurbishment team combines traditional renovation techniques with modern methods for external and internal projects.

Bathrooms and tiling: Bathroom installations that look aesthetically pleasing and

last a lifetime are all about the groundwork: quality installations and attention to detail. The Handy Scandi team takes care of all your renovation and installation needs for bathrooms, wet rooms and showers.

Kitchen installations: Besides impeccable fitting Handy Scandi would be delighted to supply your new kitchen for you. A complete installation service covers fitting, plumbing, electricity, gas, flooring and tiling.

Flooring and carpeting: Leave all your flooring needs to the experts. The Scandi team will provide skilled installations of wood, carpet, tiles, laminate and all other materials.

Painting: Looking for high-end painting and decorating services with a perfect finish guarantee? The professional and experienced painting team will work with you every step of the way to deliver the high standard you are looking for.

For more information, please visit: thehandyscandi.uk

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Scan Magazine | Business | Business Calendar

Scandinavian Business Calendar Dig into the best and most inspiring events in the Scandinavian business world this February.

Photo: Henrik Trygg

By Julie Lindén

NBCC Annual General Meeting The 109th NBCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in London on 17 March from 17.30 onwards. Members are welcome to propose the appointment of one or more members of the council. A formal agenda and notice will be sent out closer to the date.

If you have any other questions regarding the Annual General Meeting, please do not hesitate to contact Sidsel Ostad Halvorsen on soh@consultare.co.uk.

Date: 17 March Venue: Royal Norwegian Embassy, London SW1X 8QD

YP Event: Brunch Club What is a better way of spending a Saturday afternoon than networking and mingling with the Young Professionals, while enjoying delicious food and a margarita or two? At the first Brunch Club of the year, a Mexican style brunch buffet awaits you including a complimentary margarita upon arrival and wine or beer with the food. There will also be Happy Hour all after-

noon offering 2 for 1 drinks. Don't miss out joining us for this eventful afternoon.

Date: 21 March Venue: Benito's Hat, 12-14 St John Street, London EC1M 4AY Changing Tax Regulations – what you need to know Join the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, Danske Bank and Deloitte for an evening seminar addressing the changing tax regulations taking place in March 2015. Meet with the experts and mingle with the Chamber’s network.

The Event begins at 17.30 with coffee and snacks. Drinks and canapés can be enjoyed after seminar presentations.

This event is particularly useful for those of you wanting personal advice on how you and your wealth will be affected in 2015 by changing tax regulations.

Date: 25 March Venue: London Capital Club, London EC4N 7BW

Nordic Networking Drinks This time the Nordic Networking Drinks will be hosted by SEB at their new offices next to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Celebrating their recent opening of its new office, SEB are delighted to offer participants food and drink.

Feel free to bring people with you, just make sure you have registered for the guest list by 24 March. This event has a maximum of 130 places available.

Date: 26 March Venue: SEB Offices, One Carter Lane, London EC4V 5AN

Defining your jizz Scandinavians (if you’ll forgive the sweeping generalisation) are generally pretty positive about the UK: the shopping, the London shows, the football and the pubs, the humour and the TV. Yet, what does it take to really understand the Brits? Birdwatchers use the term ‘jizz’ to describe the unique characteristics of a species which distinguish it from others. Here is my quick five-point guide to the UK’s jizz for Scandinavians:

Geography Being an island makes defining and defending boundaries, and forging a common identity (or identities: Scottish, Welsh, English...) easier, although our sense of this is starting to look fragile today.

Population Much bigger. The UK is a small place with a lot of people packed into it. Population density in England is 411 per square kilometre; in Norway

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By Steve Flinders

it’s 16. The English life experience is an overwhelmingly urban and suburban one, while Scandis find it fairly easy to get away from the city and away from each other too – and often do.

old infrastructure is still in place. Anyone who has travelled on a British train will know what I mean.

History

We haven’t lost one recently – hence social class and the British Royal Family (another thing which the Scandis love).

We used to have an empire. Running one requires some toughness and initiative but it can take a long time for an ex-imperial power to grow out of that sense of superiority which you get from ruling over others; and to stop feeling nostalgic for that golden time when you were in charge.

Technology We are the oldest industrialised country in the world – you can still see factories over 250 years old – and a lot of our

War

Can you define your country’s jizz? It’s a handy intercultural skill.

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, now based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com www.coachingyork.co.uk/item/ steve-flinders

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Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME...

By Mette Lisby

Who suspects that stupidity has become today’s tobacco? A thing that people assume makes them look cool when really it poses a serious danger to all of us?

It has become quite fashionable to blatantly and proudly expose one’s lack of knowledge.

Not only lack of knowledge – after all, nobody can know everything about everything – but also an alarming disinterest in listening to those who actually DO know.

For instance climate-change-denying politicians happily conclude: “I’m not a scientist, but I don’t believe in global warming.” Well no, you are, as you rightly point out, not a scientist, but maybe if you’re not a scientist, you could, like. . . uh, I don’t know . . ASK a scientist?

And when 99.9 per cent of scientists confirm that global warming is real, then maybe you ought to listen to them instead of cheerfully announcing that “well, you don’t feel like global warming is really happening.”

This is exactly the kind of smirking stupidity that I have become allergic to. And, the sad fact is that it thrives everywhere; for instance in online discussions, people proudly state “I don’t know much about the topic, but in my opinion ….”

First of all, if you don’t know much about the topic, then why the need to rant about it?

Second, if you DO want to rant about something but find yourself short of actual knowledge about it, then GOOGLE it! Read! Learn! Enlighten yourself before you vent your opinion based on absolutely f*** all.

See? I know people think it makes them look “too cool to really care” to proudly state that they “don’t know much about it”. But really – it just makes them look like someone who DOESN’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT! And, someone who doesn’t even want to. Now, isn’t that stupid?

As with cigarettes, I hope someone invents a cure. Like a nicotine patch. An anti-stupidity patch! Wouldn’t THAT be great? You put it on and it instantly makes you long for knowledge, making you WANT to listen to people who are smarter than you.

If this is too much to hope for, then can’t we at least have patches to cover the mouths of people who insist on flaunting their stupidity?

PE part II I was never particularly fond of sports in Sweden. However, I had never witnessed the pure hatred of physical exercise that teenagers are capable of until I attended my first PE class in England. At this stage, I was desperate to fit in and copying the behaviour of those around me seemed a good way to go about it. This was fairly easy, once I was handed my first PE kit, which included a skirt. (A SKIRT! For EXERCISE!) My discomfort was somewhat mollified when the boys from my class emerged from their changing rooms. They were wearing what might at some stage have been referred to as shorts. Now, following cruelly swift growth spurts, they were best labelled knickers. At the bottom of these, inches of boxer shorts protruded, like the frill of a pair of unfortunate bloomers.

Needless to say, neither skirts nor bloomers were suited for exercise, which was just as well, seeing as no one partook in any. I quickly

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”.

By Maria Smedstad shower. Taking a shower after PE would have been the equivalent of social suicide. Instead I learnt to spray myself down with fruit-scented body spray, until the changing room was completely devoid of oxygen. I spent the free time created by not showering writing long letters to my friends in Sweden, describing my new talent for removing my bra without taking my jumper off – a skill arguably more valuable than badminton.

learned how to stand at the bottom of a field, swinging a badminton racquet around in a way that – from a distance – resembled exercise.

Once back in the changing rooms, I ensured that I got changed without exposing any bare skin, just like my classmates. And then came the most important part. Which was NOT to

Maria Smedstad moved to the UK from Sweden in 1994. She received a degree in Illustration in 2001, before settling in the capital as a freelance cartoonist, creating the autobiographical cartoon Em. Maria writes a column on the trials and tribulations of life as a Swede in the UK.

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Jonas Grimås

”It’s a book I wish had existed during the early days of my career,” says BAFTA-winning Swedish director Jonas Grimås about the book he has just finished writing about his craft, entitled A director prepares – Everything you need to know before you shout action.

Jonas Grimås – everything you need to know before shouting action BAFTA-winner Jonas Grimås is perhaps one of the more secretive creative Swedes living London. Scan Magazine met the director, who has a number of famous films and dramas to his name.

pressive number of British drama series, such as more than 30 episodes of the cult series Heartbeat, a successful long-runner that was also aired on Swedish TV4.

By Emelie Hill | Press Photo

While Grimås has been living in London since 1988, his directing began in Uppsala, Sweden where he was involved with student theatre at university whilst studying music theory. A good twenty years later, he is still happy with his decision to relocate to the UK. “When I arrived in London there were no multicultural influences. It’s been fascinating to watch the city evolve, and I still find that London holds secret gems and I discover them all the time,” says the director, sipping a cappuccino. “I have always lived in Islington, which is my favourite area. It was not so fashionable when I moved there but now it is very sought after and its soul remains the same”.

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Jonas entered the industry with great success when he won a BAFTA for best short film with Artisten (The Artist), a graduation project. Grimås was also later nominated for best short film with another film – Marooned. “Of course winning a BAFTA was a big surprise and unexpected. Today, it feels a bit surreal looking back, like the film doesn’t belong to me any longer but to its audience. Naturally it’s amazing to belong to the prestigious BAFTA club.” In Sweden, Jonas has directed film adaptations of Henning Mankell's Wallander series as well as Camilla Läckberg's novels The Ice Princess and The Preacher, and in 2011 he was named Cultural Personality of the Year by Stockholm’s Culture Foundation. Jonas has also worked on an im-

These days, Jonas is devoted to teaching and mentoring at The London Film School. The industry as a whole seemed to dip during 2010 and he considers himself lucky that he was picked up by the school at this time. He receives great pleasure from being part of his students’ success and he sees the passing on of his knowledge as an important responsibility. Recently, he finished writing a book that he wishes “had existed during the early days of his career”, entitled A director prepares – Everything you need to know before you shout action. His own creative work continues with a full-length film in the pipeline, an Anglo-Nordic black comedy entitled Det kunde ha varit värre which is due to hit screens in 2016.

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Book Review

Review: London, Baby, London I have to be completely honest with you, I loathe travel guides about London. About any place in general, sure, but about London in particular, purely based on the information they seem to give their naive readers: information representing a London its residents never experience. Londoners don’t stand in line for 1.5h outside Madame Tussaud’s, spend time outside Buckingham Palace, nor do they, under any circumstances, go for a shopping spree on Oxford Street. Unless someone holds a gun to their heads, but I’m fairly certain that even then, they’d most likely choose death. And yet, all guidebooks seem to do is recommend visitors to go and explore what Londoners do their very utmost to avoid. So you can imagine my horror when my editor asked me to review one.

However, this Danish travel guide is actually written by people who have spent more time in London than the equivalent of a “hop-on-hopoff” tour, which shows. London, Baby, London, written by Mette Treppendahl and Signe Benn Hansen, is a two-books-in-one guide made for anyone who wants to do anything at all in Lon-

By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Sara Bendix Pedersen

don. From historical culture to the dumplings in Chinatown, no stone is left unturned or unrepresented. Treppendahl’s part aims towards a more family-oriented visit and Hansen helps the reader navigate through everything else.

London, Baby, London, is surprisingly broad and touches upon a great variety of London experiences while skilfully avoiding the generic traps and tips so typical of most other guides and handbooks that try too hard fitting into a limited format.

Despite being a central London resident for several years, I found myself taking notes, scribbling down places I’ve never heard of before and am now dying to show friends and family when opportunity arises. London, Baby, London is honest, smart, cleverly written and suitable for both longer weekends as well as people who have been here a while looking to re-ignite the London spark.

Buy London, Baby, London at forlagetsaxo.dk/#london Mette Treppendahl and Signe Benn Hansen

Scandinavian Music It’s all about the girls this month!

Denmark’s Stine Bramsen has returned with a new single called Karma Town, and it’s the former Alphabeat frontwoman’s best solo single to date. The song is retro-flavoured and kitschstyled pop with a big chorus and a sugary production. Precisely what we all want from her.

Tove Lo has been bigging up one of her friends on social media, and it turns out that this Kassandra girl she speaks of is also in the business of churning out some great tunes. She has just released her second single Run, and it’s brilliant enough to be her big breakthrough (helped along by Tove’s endorsement). An atmospheric, cinematic, and dramatic synth ballad with a chorus that packs an almighty punch. Keep an ear out for Sweden’s Kassandra.

Meanwhile, the original Tove – Tove Styrke – is finally getting her big UK launch. New single Ego is probably the best thing she’s done since her first album. Certainly the most commercial anyway, after her recent, more experimental EP,

By Karl Batterbee

Borderline. BBC Radio 1 are already on board, having given Ego a few plays ahead of its release.

The new album Kiddo will follow in March.

Finally, we need to talk about a full album. Susanne Sundfør’s new record Ten Love Songs has just received a worldwide release, and it’s something very special indeed. You know that icy Scandinavian synth sound that so many of our favourite artists do so splendidly? Well with Ten Love Songs, Susanne Sundfør has somehow managed to raise the already sky-high bar even higher. With this collection, she’s mastered the sound to the extent that anyone releasing an album after her will have to re-invent the genre in order to top it. It’s genuinely brilliant – less like ten individual songs and more like one lengthy sonic experience. There are no gaps between the songs, as she has instead chosen to separate each of them with instrumental interludes that connect all of the songs together. It’s not even a new practice, but it does sort of feel like she’s broken the mould with her version of it. It’s a must-listen.

www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

Flore Gardner, Chiasmus, 2013. Broderi på funnet foto. Belongs to artist.

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

LSO Discovery Day: Jean Sibelius (15 March) An opportunity to completely immerse yourself in Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’s life and music, including access to the morning rehearsal, insight from experts and chamber music in the afternoon. Barbican Centre, London, EC2Y. www.barbican.org.uk Simon Munnery sings Soren Kierkegaard (17 March) Award-winning comedian Simon Munnery performs a selection of the 19th century Danish existentialist philosopher Soren

102 | Issue 74 | March 2015

By Sara Schedin

Kierkegaard's writings, talks about them, and makes them funny. Soho Theatre, London, W1D. www.sohotheatre.com

construction of collective imaginations.

Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Thu 11am-9pm, Sat 12noon-6pm. Iniva, London, EC2A. www.iniva.org

Park Chan-kyong & Lina Selander (Until 21 March) Korean artist and film-maker Park Chankyong and Swedish artist Lina Selander will show work through two solo presentations alongside each other, bringing together synergies within the artists' practices. They both move between documentary forms and the structure of the visual essay as a way to investigate the

Lordi on tour (March/April) Monster rockers Lordi of Finland are touring Europe with their 2014 album Scare Force One. www.lordi.fi Ewa Stackelberg (Until 5 April) Swedish photographer Ewa Stackelberg's

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Scan Magazine | Culture | Calendar

exhibition Fotogram is a restrained yet colorful encounter between stage designer Ulla Cassius' distinct spaces and her own photograms. Employing light, chemicals and objects, but no camera, she creates images imprinted by real life experiences. Mon-Sun 9am-11pm. Fotografiska, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, Stockholm. fotografiska.eu

certo. Barbican Hall, London, EC2Y. www.bbc.co.uk/events Ensiferum on tour (March/April) Finnish folk metal band Ensiferum are touring Europe with their latest album One Man Army. www.ensiferum.com

Shy for Shore (8 April) Amsterdam-based half English and half Norwegian synthpop duo Shy for Shore will be playing at Birthdays, London, N16. www.facebook.com/ShyForShore

Sonata Arctica on tour (April/May) Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica will be playing tunes from their 2014 album Pariah's Child at various venues across Europe this spring. sonataarctica.info

Nielsen: The Symphonies (10 April) Finnish Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Nielsen's magnificent Fifth Symphony, Ravel's dizzying La valse and hypnotic Boléro, and Prokofiev's most elegant third piano con-

The Needle’s Eye: Contemporary Embroidery (Until 16 May) Embroidery as an action and a technique is enmeshed in charged histories about gender roles, status, power, and artistic value. The exhibition reflects embroidery’s

flexibility and scope both in style and in its use of materials. A total of thirty-seven contemporary artists from Norway and abroad will display their works in the exhibition, which comments on society, art and the tradition of embroidery. Tue, Wed & Fri 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-7pm, Sat & Sun 12noon-4pm. Kunstindustrimuseet, St. Olavs gate 1, Oslo. nasjonalmuseet.no Iceage on tour (April/May) Danish punk rockers Iceage are touring the UK this spring with their 2014 album Plowing into the field of love. iceagecopenhagen.eu

Photo: Ewa Stackelberg

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