Scan Magazine, Issue 87, April 2016 by Scan Client Publishing

APRIL 2016 ISSUE 87 PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

PILOU ASBÆK – DENMARK’S NEW ANTI-HERO BIG NORDIC DESIGN SPECIAL LOUISE PETERHOFF – FROM ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TO NORDIC NOIR A KID’S UNIVERSE: SWEDEN’S TOP CHILDREN’S BRANDS

www.suri.dk

At SuRi you will experience the daily access to the season’s best local commodities from our land and fjord, with taste at the centre of attention. Served in beautiful, maritime rooms, first row to the old harbour of Holbæk, where the proper but unpretentious sphere is highly cherished. This was awarded 2 out of 3 stars in ‘Den Danske Spiseguide’ and a nomination from the same guide for fish restaurant of the year 2015. MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED, HISTORIC PORT BUILDING ’MASKINVÆRKSTEDET’ - All the newest AV equipment, with fantastic opportunities for immersion close to Copenhagen. EVENTS, PARTIES, KICK-OFFS, TEAMBUILDING, COOKING CLASSES AND ALIKE - Only the imagination sets the limit for having arrangements in our spaces. LUNCH AND DINNER A LA CARTE FROM THE SEASON’S BEST COMMODITIES - From the land and fjord surrounding us, from our many small, local producers. FOOD TO-GO FOR ANY OCCASION – Buffets, menus, tapas, receptions, brunch and all holiday seasons.

Restaurant SuRi | Havnevej 5 4300 Holbæk | info@suri.dk | +45 5944 0610

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 56 Pilou Asbæk – Denmark’s new anti-hero For our cover this month, Scan Magazine caught up with the actor behind Nordic Noir’s favourite spin doctor. In mid-bedtime routine with his daughter in New Zealand, where he is filming Ghost in the Shell, Dane Pilou Asbæk spoke to writer Signe Hansen about a Hollywood life that is not all about rosé and glam, and about identifying with the flaws of his characters.

56 43

Swedish architecture and retro bags, these are the Nordic design brands we covet this spring.

Everybody loves Astrid Lindgren, but did you know that some of the most-borrowed books in Swedish libraries were written not by her but by Gunilla Bergström? From Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre to cool kids’ clothing brands and a birth poster that gets to travel the world, we present the most inspiring brands currently coming out of the country that made it its mission to put family life and children first.

DESIGN 6

Celebrating the return of the light

75 Enterprise Denmark

While our tireless street photographer Sanna Halmekoski speaks to the coolest Scandinavians currently on London’s fashion scene, our Fashion Diary helps you deal with the notorious changeability of a typical Scandinavian spring, all without losing your cool. Finally, our design picks celebrate the return of the light.

We continue our mission to unveil the best ideas from behind the scenes of Denmark’s buzzing entrepreneurial and business scene. This month, get to know a good-looking work wear sneaker, a money-saving heating system, some Internet of Things (IoT) pioneers and much more.

SPECIAL FEATURE

BUSINESS

60 Follow the food guides

SPECIAL THEMES

30 82

Big Nordic design special You could say that there is a reason why Scandinavia is often referred to as a design Mecca, but that could not be further from the truth. In reality, there are as many reasons as there are Nordic design brands, which is why we cannot help but regularly go on a bit of a design daydreaming venture. From Norwegian innovative design studios to nature-inspired fashion brands and

Forbes 30 under 30: A day in the life While he occasionally questions the decision to skip that gap year and throw himself head first into the depths of life as a start-up entrepreneur, being included on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, age 29, certainly suggests it was the right thing to do. Scan Magazine spoke to Konrad Kierklo about a day in the life of the founder of miinto.com.

Consistently in the top three of Denmark’s Local Cooking awards, and listed in the White Guide’s 2015 survey of Denmark’s best restaurants as well as the seafood category of The Danish Guide to Eating Out (Den danske Spiseguide), SuRi Restaurant in Holbæk deserves a spot on any food lover’s essential list. The stunning surroundings by Denmark’s biggest fjord are just a bonus…

Children of Sweden

CULTURE 96

A Nordic Noir chameleon You might know her as the crazy female antagonist Annika Melander from the latest season of The Bridge, but be prepared to put her in a different box. We spoke to Louise Peterhoff, the classically trained ballet dancer who turned her back on a rock ‘n’ roll life in Brussels and now appears as the leading lady of Swedish crime drama’s latest offering, Blue Eyes.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, You will have to forgive us for obsessing over Norwegian design a lot recently. Since we started our exploration of this often sidelined Nordic design market, we have had nothing but positive feedback from readers both near and far, and we can only agree: Scandinavian design is so cool it is hot, but the spotlight has been standing still for too long, all too often focusing on Copenhagen and Stockholm alone. This month’s huge design special showcases favourites from Sweden and Denmark as well, but we had to dwell among fjords and mountain tops for a little while longer, discovering even more of what is starting to emerge as a very distinct Brand Norway. Having said that, when it comes to Nordic Noir there is not much we can do. The Bridge had a point: this is all about Denmark and Sweden. And speaking of The Bridge, I had the pleasure of interviewing the actor behind one of the main antagonists from the most recent series, the result of which you will find in the culture section. Louise Peterhoff is currently visiting a screen near you as the leading lady of Swedish crime drama Blue Eyes. Gracing our cover this month is a former Nordic Noir king, now a global star. Pilou Asbæk spoke to us about Game of Thrones and combining life as an international star with family commitments.

In our business section, far from the world of noir screen productions, a Danish enterprise theme is introduced with a feature following a day in the life of a very different kind of Scandinavian hero: the young man behind miinto.com, Konrad Kierklo, who was recently included on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. From clean design to Nordic Noir legends and celebrated technology entrepreneurs, you could say that this issue is a tribute to all the things the world loves about Scandinavia. At the same time, both Peterhoff and Asbæk make it very clear that their priorities are elsewhere: in the home, with their children. The people behind the brands featured in our Children of Sweden special would most likely agree. As recent 90-year-old Ingvar Kamprad would put it: children are the most important people in the world.

Linnea Dunne, Editor

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4 | Issue 87 | April 2016

advertorials/promotional articles

Limited edition, Villa Saturnus

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Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

Fashion Diary… The trickiest of fashion months is upon us. You have to be ready for anything, from summer sun to icy snow landing on your sunny shades, which is why there is no better time for the multifunctional allies of the clothing family. Use items that can be with you from the cold morning fare to work to a sunny lunch al fresco, rainy afternoon shopping spree and a chilly evening of dog walking. By Mette Hindkjaer Madsen | Press photos

The days of awkward rain gear are behind us. You can have your stylish jacket and wear it in the rain too. And what says spring better than a crisp one like this jacket from H&M to keep you bright and dry? H&M £39.99 www.hm.com

A playful print twist for your outfit, or a practical necessity? This cap from H&M’s We Love Coachella collection will stylishly save you from a rainy Monday as well as sunburn. H&M £9.99 www.hm.com

Nothing is handier for getting all your belongings with you on the go than a backpack. They are everywhere these days, and for good reason: with one of these on your back, practicality and the cool factor go hand in hand. Norse Projects £115 www.norseprojects.com

After a long winter we are on the edge of our seats to sport our favourite shoe again: the sneaker. Should you find yourself debating whether it really is time to pull them out yet, you need not worry. This pair from Tiger of Sweden will keep your socks out of the puddles, even if your sneakers step in one or two. Tiger of Sweden £249 www.tigerofsweden.com

6 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Scan Magazine | Design | Fashion Diary

When the winds are howling and your hair gets in your face constantly, a scarf with a simple knot is the way to go. This colourful number from H&M will work splendidly as a headband – or wrapped around your neck, should you find yourself without a turtleneck. H&M £4.99 www.hm.com

The trench coat is the classic spring item to get you through whatever craziness April throws at you. This slightly alternative yet timeless wool version from & Other Stories can easily be packed away in your bag or slung over your arm when the sun is out and will keep you snug and warm when wind and stubborn drizzle strike. & Other Stories £165 www.stories.com

What better friend to house your jacket, tablet, sunglasses, umbrella and whatnot than this beautiful Lou bag from House of Dagmar? Needless to say, it goes with everything. Approx £102 www.houseofdagmar.se

We have been all over the turtleneck for quite a while now, and who can blame us? It is sophisticated and protects your neck from that cold breeze. The bold print and light material of Dillie from Tiger of Sweden brings our beloved turtleneck into the next season. Tiger of Sweden £169 www.tigerofsweden.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 7

Scan Magazine | Design | Street Style

Nordic humans of London Scan Magazine’s brilliant Sanna Halmekoski hits the streets of London to find out what the Scandinavian fashion fanatics are wearing. Cool, sleek, and full of statements, this is a little piece of Scandiland in the UK. Text and photos by Sanna Halmekoski | Twitter: @suomigirl | www.suomigirl.com

Isabell Enevoldsen, Danish hairdresser “I try not to look like everybody else. I always wear odd socks. In Scandinavia fashion is softer than it is in London, but people are more daring when it comes to hair. My bag is by Mulberry, the jacket is by Lipsy, and the necklace is by Second Female.”

Alma Cornelia, Swedish event host and organiser “In the winter my style is quite rock ‘n’ roll. In the summertime I dress more girly and bohemian. I think Swedish fashion is more stylish than British, and I prefer shopping in Sweden. My bag is by Prada, jacket by Jofama, and hat by Zara.

Vesa Peräkylä, Finnish fashion stylist and creative director

Isabell Enevoldsen

(www.vesaperakyla.com)

“My style is minimalist and built around one statement piece. Today I am wearing a biker look built around the leather jacket. My shoes are Dr. Martens, jeans are customised H&M, and the bracelet with the hook is by Hermès.”

Alma Cornelia

Vesa Peräkylä

8 | Issue 87 | April 2016

TAMPERE FILM FESTIVAL

WORKERS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

TAMPERE GUITAR FESTIVAL

TAMPERE REGION FESTIVALS

TAMPERE MUSIC FESTIVAL

WWW.PIRFEST.FI

WORKERS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tampere Region Festivals is a network of 36 festivals covering different areas of culture. Each one of these festivals offers authentic experiences for all those interested in music, theatre, dance, circus, literature, cinema and the visual arts.

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this… Whether you are itching to kickstart the spring cleaning or need some inspiration to get your crib ready for the sunshine months, we have collected some items in vibrant colours that will help brighten up the dullest of spring days. Feel the summer vibes all the way to your fingertips. By Mette Hindkjaer Madsen | Press photos

With some time still to go before those brightest of summer evenings, this Arachnophobia lamp from Design By Us will make you feel blessed with daylight in your living room even after sunset. Who knows, maybe it will even cure your fear of spiders?

70 cm £2,098 90 cm £2,686 chandelier – 12 lights white lacquered, silver coating inside www.design-by-us.com

Turn your flower power upside down, brightening up your vase and muting your flowers by switching them for a different type of plant. For instance, opt for a raspberry plant, enjoying the greenery until the berries are ripe for harvesting and can be dropped straight into your creamy morning yoghurt.

Elevated vase by Muuto £74 www.illumsbolighus.dk

If you are looking to invest some of that sunshine-fuelled floral energy into a good

10 | Issue 87 | April 2016

old-fashioned pillow fight, the Knot pillow

Still have a mess that needs tidying in time for spring? Maybe these coat

from Design House Stockholm makes the

hangers from HAY can establish some order. They add a touch of fun and

perfect companion. Rest assured it will look

brightness to your hallway even as the winter coat is packed away and

bouncy even when calmly placed on your sofa.

there are fewer, lighter items to hang.

Knot pillow £78

Iso hooks (set of three) £21

www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com

www.hayminimarket.com/en

UMEÅ Your Gate to Lapland

Discover the northern city of culture – Umeå. Enjoy a different kind of city break with local cuisine, sights, and nature just around the corner.

Guitars – The Museum One of the world’s largest privately owned collections of guitars and the whole world has a chance to see it.

ic : rd ical o GN I N pe S g Bi gn S DE si e D SH

Photo: Karin Bjรถrkquist

Photo: Opto Design

Social engagement still going strong within Swedish design Design Solution, Swedish Design for 170 Years is the first international exhibition during the 2016 Taipei World Design Capital, hosted and produced by Taipei City in collaboration with Svensk Form. The exhibition explores the Design Solution theme while echoing the core idea of the 2016 Taipei Design Capital, which is adapting design thinking to solve social issues. By Ewa Kumlin, manading director at Svensk Form

Thus, turning to Sweden was a natural choice for the Taiwanese hosts, since Sweden has such a strong tradition of democratic thinking. This foundation is still solid, but the simplicity in form once granted to the region can no longer be taken for granted. Instead we see a vital and healthy variety of expressions today, with various cultural influences, reflecting the diversity of our time. 12 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Every year, Svensk Form grants an award, Ung Svensk Form, for young designers under the age of 36, which typically gives an indication of what is happening here and now. In recent editions, you will find social and environmental engagement as well as the return to craft traditions and an appreciation for natural materials. As we become more digital, mobile and international, our

Photo: Ingnell Jewellery

appreciation for the roots and the handmade increases. During Stockholm Design Week, Swedish furniture companies will still showcase their typical functional, practical and accessible quality designs, yet you will find a new and growing responsibility for sustainability, circular economy and the life cycle of each product. The furniture industry is characterised by fine craftsmanship and a unique entrepreneurial spirit.

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

FACTS: Svensk Form, founded in 1845, is a Swedish design society working to stimulate the design development and promote Swedish design internationally, including encouraging Swedish designers and architects in every field. The organisation has its own magazine, Form, founded in 1905, which has been published in both English and Swedish six times a year since 1905, and runs the national design award Design S and Ung Svensk Form (Young Swedish Design). For more information, please visit svenskform.se, www.design-s.se, and www.ungsvenskform.se

This year we bring several extraordinary examples of this to Milan: companies ranging from some of our most prominent and established furniture producers to some of our latest and most brightly shining newcomers. The title of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official exhibition during the Salone di Mobile is Sweden Plays, with references to our surrounding nature, light and sustainability. Sweden is a country of inventors and pioneers. Backed up by a profound

democratic foundation and an abundance of playfulness, we offer a unique breeding ground for innovation. As a small country, we always have been and will continue to be open to international influences. We are a country where hierarchies, money and material success are not celebrated as much as humanism, entrepreneurship and a sing-a-long.

challenges of today and ideas of how design and architecture can address them. Segregation, health and environment are some of our major issues today, particularly in regards to how, through new innovative design processes, we can help smooth the integration of the increasing number of refugees seeking asylum in Sweden.

Right now, Sweden is about to form a new government policy for design and architecture, built on the societal

Photo: Palmgrens

Photo: Isabell N Wedin

Photo: Ross Architecture & Design

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 13

Charlotte Nicolin working on a new project.

An artist with an agenda “I sometimes completely lose myself when I spend time in nature, its beauty never ceases to surprise me,” says artist Charlotte Nicolin. “It moves me deeply, and when I see how the world’s fauna and flora is suffering at the hands of humans, it shocks me – and it motivates me to make people think.”

Internationally active

Berick, who subsequently represented her for many years. Her curiosity and drive eventually took her to Paris, where she continued to work as a painter and also became an expert lithographer. In 1997, she accepted an offer of a joint venture and moved to Canada to set up a new gallery boutique in Montreal. There, her artwork adorned the interiors of homes, restaurants and hotels, and her art and gift items were sold in the gallery as well as in over 200 shops across North America.

Nicolin has been working as an artist for over 35 years. At the age of 24, she left her native Sweden to live in the US for several years, working as an illustrator while developing her drawing and painting skills. It was here that she was discovered by the art agents Adler &

After a decade of collaboration, Nicolin and her partner decided to go their separate ways, and the artist was yet again drawn to Paris where she was a natural part of the art community. Simultaneously, she went on frequent journeys of

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Charlotte Nicolin

A skilled painter and accomplished lithographer with a rare understanding of the submarine world and living anatomy, Nicolin has worked with veterinary clinics and international environmental organisations alike to communicate her love of animals and spread the word about ways to keep our planet healthy. Her Stockholm boutique envelopes all that passion and creativity and allows customers to take a piece of Nicolin home with them. From her artwork printed on trays in laminated beech 14 | Issue 87 | April 2016

wood, cushion covers in a cotton-linen blend, fine bone china mugs and more, all of Nicolin’s work boasts visual evidence of a love for nature.

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

exploration, learning about the flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea. Under the name livinginthebalticsea.com, Nicolin put together an extraordinary library of information about the life and nature of the Baltic Sea region, including details about current threats and what people can do to help turn this trend around. All this was, naturally, enhanced by her artwork and illustrations.

Artist meets entrepreneur After 32 years abroad the artist moved back to Stockholm where she had already opened her own gallery boutique. “It’s been quite a journey from being an artist to being an artist running a business,” she says, “to learn not to criticise your own work but to actually help customers find what will work for them. It is like two different personalities coming together: the sensitive artist and the confident sales person. It was out of necessity, really, but it’s been great.” With a combination of artistic talent, passion for the environment and entrepreneurial drive, Nicolin sparked the beginnings of what was to become her dream job. In addition to her paintings, she developed a personal technique of

detailed graphite drawings with a touch of colour rendering wildlife as well as domestic animals to decorate everything from mugs and cushions to trays and coasters. She created her very own platform, from where she would sell interior decoration and gift items with her motifs, through both wholesale and direct sales. It soon became clear that she had found a winning concept, and her boutique in the Old Town in the heart of Stockholm is thriving. “It is important to keep a consistent approach. The art has to mean something to me and to the spectator, the materials of the products have to be of great quality and good value, and the presentation of it all has to be attractive,” Nicolin explains. “I want my pieces to add a little positive note to any setting.”

‘I like to be where it happens’ There is already a reason to believe that her dedication is having an impact. “A lot of people tell me how terrific it is that someone is doing something for the environment. I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, of course, but all the encouragement is reassuring,” she says. “Often people stop in their tracks when

they walk by my shop and they smile; they say my animals have human-like expressions.” It is hard work, but it is completely worth it, the artist insists. “I work all the time, but I’m never bored. All parts of my work are interesting, from drawing, organising and researching to talking to customers, testing new products with suppliers, attending trade fairs and collaborating with environmental organisations. It’s all for the same goal: to bring out empathy in people, for them to better understand and respect animals and nature. I like to say that I make ‘art for a reason’.”

To browse Charlotte Nicolin’s work and pick up your own piece inspired by nature, swing by: Butik Charlotte Nicolin Köpmangatan 3 111 31 Stockholm Sweden +46 8 21 66 66

For more information, please visit: charlottenicolin.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 15

From saddles to handbags: 120 years of craftsmanship in Stockholm The exclusive Stockholm-based accessories brand Palmgrens is built on a proud design heritage, and the company is still located in the same street as it was in 1896. Get a glimpse of the journey from saddles to handbags and beyond. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Palmgrens

Swedish saddler Johannes Palmgren launched his business making horse and riding equipment in 1896 and quickly gained a strong reputation. He became a royal warrant of appointment to the King of Sweden in 1903. Over the years, Palmgrens developed new designs for private homes and public spaces such as cinema foyers, airplane fittings and more.

development with a firm starting point in history. The design archive offers a great foundation to be combined with new innovation. A good example of this is the iconic 1950s signature rattan bag, still a best seller, and the use of new materials has brought about new designs. “The timeless and distinct design has lived through generations of women and is still going strong more than 65 years later. The combination of rattan and leather has since been developed into designs for desk accessories and bracelets,” Herré explains.

Today, Palmgrens is still found in Sibyllegatan in central Stockholm, just a stone’s throw from the Royal Dramatic Theatre. The collection now covers everything from briefcases and handbags through to interior items and accessories. But it has all been developed with the material, craftsmanship Palmgrens always work in close collaband history in mind. oration with saddlers and craftsmen in a constant exchange of ideas and knowl“We work almost exclusively with vegeta- edge. “It is a very creative and inspiring ble tanned calf’s leather, which holds high process,” says the CEO. “One type of quality and ages beautifully,” says Catharina leather might not work in the same way Herré, owner and CEO of Palmgrens. as the other and it is all about finding the best solution. It should work well in Heritage meets design innovation terms of functionality, but also visualInstead of releasing new collections annu- ly look good and inspire you to wear the ally, Palmgrens work with ongoing product item or put it in your home.” 16 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Over the years, Palmgrens has collaborated with established Swedish designers such as House of Dagmar, Maria Nilsdotter, Tomas Sandell and most recently Monica Förster. “We have chosen to work with Swedish designers who have their own strong design style in their respective fields,” says Herré. The shop in Stockholm has always been the base of the brand, but with the launch of the new webshop and a stronger digital presence the first step has now been taken towards becoming more accessible internationally. “We enjoy and value the personal meeting and hope that our new digital presence will inspire people to visit the shop in Stockholm,” says Herré. In other words, if you find yourself in Stockholm, make sure to swing by Palmgrens at Sibyllegatan 7 to meet the team in person.

Catharina Herré, CEO and owner of Palmgrens.

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

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

Not the typical Scandinavian jewellery design After more than 20 years in the jewellery industry, Åsa Ingnell had a head full of design ideas for beautiful pieces of jewellery and started a venture that resulted in the brand Ingnell Jewellery. “I wanted to create jewellery for women who have the guts to actually dress up,” explains Ingnell. By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Ingnell Jewellery

Two decades in the jewellery industry meant that Ingnell had developed a big network. But when she started Ingnell Jewellery, she wanted to challenge herself and begin from scratch. “As a first step, me and my partner Pär Johansson went to China to look for suppliers, and then we built a whole new supply chain for ourselves.” The first delivery was sent to a retailer two years ago, and it did not take long before other stockists contacted Ingnell asking her to come and introduce her new jewellery line. Today, Ingnell Jewellery can be found in over 85 retailers across Sweden and several different webshops.

Photo: Hans Logren.

Every day, Ingnell is out and about looking for new trends. “I get inspired by all types of designs, but especially clothes. I can see a button on a shirt that I like, which triggers a new design idea for a piece of jewellery,” she explains. As a result, Ingnell Jewellery is also available at many lifestyle and clothing shops in addition to the traditional jewellery retailers. The jewellery is displayed on mannequins wearing the same look Ingnell had in mind when creating the collections, to give the customers ideas of how to style themselves.

Noticeable and bold Classy, lush and stylish are words that describe the look and feel of Ingnell

Jewellery. And the good – and perhaps slightly surprising – news is that each piece comes with an attractive price tag. “I want my jewellery to be available to a wide audience, and by using surgical steel I can keep costs down,” says Ingnell. And even if there is an element of minimalist Scandinavian design in the jewellery, Ingnell Jewellery offers something extra, something more edgy. “I want my jewellery to be noticeable and bold, and I wish for the pieces to extend and enhance my customers’ personal style,” says the designer. At the moment the focus for Ingnell Jewellery is on the Swedish market, but they are also looking to expand internationally. The first step is a webshop in English, which will launch in the near future. For more information, please visit: ingnelljewellery.com

Photo: Hans Logren.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 17

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

Retro plastic is fantastic The Hinza bag is a Swedish design classic dating back to the 1950s. Today, the plastic shopper is back on the shelves, including a sustainable Green Plastic range. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Isabell N Wedin

“My great grandfather founded Perstorp AB and the company launched the original bag in the ‘50s,” says Karin Bachstätter, CEO at Hinza. Production ceased in the ‘60s when the disposable plastic bag came into fashion, but the old favourites were carefully treasured in Bachstätter’s childhood home. “It was a natural part of my childhood,” she recalls and adds that when she and her siblings moved away from home, they fought over the last few bags. This made them think: if they loved the bags so much, perhaps others would too? The bag was relaunched in 2008. Produced in Hillerstorp, Småland, it comes in two sizes and currently no less than 14 different colours. A Green Plastic version, made from sugarcanes, is becoming increasingly popular.

“We are proud to offer a product in a renewable, plant-based raw material. New colours are underway and the selection is growing all the time. There is great demand for this type of product, which is really fun,” the CEO says. The sturdy construction makes the plastic tote bag ideal for a range of uses, from shopping to gardening, beach life or even as an ice bucket filled with drinks. “It is such a stylistically pure and simple product that everyone can find useful in one way or another. It is so much more than just a bag,” says Bachstätter.

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

A whole world of imagination Anna Lindsten invites you to a fantasy world of playful and fun designs inspired by Nordic nature. Her stories speak to the imagination of young and old. By Malin Norman | Photos: Anna Lindsten

Stockholm-based illustrator and designer Anna Lindsten creates her own range of stationery and homeware such as cushions, trays and cutting boards, and works on assignments in Scandinavia and further afield with prominent clients such as Uniqlo in Japan, Tesco Magazine in the UK and Gourmet Girlfriend in Australia to name a few. “My idea is to provide designs for people who like to feed their imagination and storytelling regardless of age,” ex18 | Issue 87 | April 2016

plains Lindsten. Her playful pieces include Nattskogen, which encourages interaction with children. The two-sided cushions show different characters with their eyes closed on one side and open on the other, in a number of designs. One version is ‘Now you see me, now you don’t’, others include grumpy ‘Day and night’, dancing forest mouse ‘Cheek to cheek’ and hedgehog ‘Come rain come shine’. They function as standalone pieces in any room or can be combined into a story of the owner’s choice. “There is something for everyone to discover,” says the designer. “A journalist once said that my designs are like a fun, curious and exciting fantasy world.” Take cushion cover Rainy in the Nattskogen range for example. Lindsten recalls a client who said it reminded her of a magical childhood mo-

ment. “This is exactly what I want. My prints and images should trigger the imagination and give birth to new stories.” The source of inspiration is mostly nature, and Lindsten explains how she enjoys spending time exploring. “There is so much to see down there on the ground and up in the trees!” Lindsten will show her products at the Formex tradeshow in Stockholm in August and in Tokyo later in the autumn. For more information, please visit: www.annalindsten.se and order via the webshop www.annalindsten.tictail.com. Follow @annalindsten on Instagram.

Modern Scandinavian design meets traditional oriental tradition and handicraft.

Scandinavian home accessories inspired by Indian crafts Chamois offers the perfect mix of Scandinavian style and Indian tradition. The Swedish home accessories brand was born out of a passion for textiles and patterns, inspired by countless trips to India. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Chamois

Pink and blue for SS16 thetics and high quality. “I wanted to take the textiles that I love and create a home accessories brand inspired by patterns from India, with a Scandinavian touch,” she says.

It all started when Charlotte Amlé decided to quit her job in finance and join her husband on work trips to India. She fell head over heels for the beautiful textiles. “I brought back a lot of beautiful things and started selling shawls to retailers at home. I still had one foot in finance and worked in consulting, but then there was my passion for textiles,” says Amlé, founder and CEO of Chamois. Amlé decided to follow her dream and launch the textile brand Chamois in Sweden in 2014, focused on home accessories for those with the same love of aes-

Amlé spends around six to eight weeks each year working closely with small factories, craftsmen and designers on location in Rajasthan, Delhi and Kashmir.

Passion turned into success Customers quickly took a liking to the first tablecloths in handmade block print, and cushions and throws were soon added to the Chamois line. “I like organic and round shapes, a lot of paisley and colours. Chamois is not afraid to mix patterns or use both colours and shapes to create harmony,” Amlé says. “Today we have high-end retailers all over Sweden and are focused on establishing the brand outside the country. We already have a few retailers in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.”

This summer is about pink and blue, inspired by the ocean and including new products for the beach. Bags in the brand’s own textiles and patterns have become very popular, and Chamois will release more new products in the future. “We have also developed a beautiful bedspread and cushion line with handicraft techniques from Rajasthan. They are stonewashed for softness and patina,” says Amlé. “I enjoy developing Chamois and feel there is no end to my creativity right now. I am so happy that we have got so many customers who love our products. We love sharing our passion!” For more information, please visit: chamois.se

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 19

Villa Andromeda, Royal Edition.

Live in a work of art – with extra everything Celebrating 20 years in business, Ross Architecture & Design has made a brand out of questioning everything. The firm is not only behind Villa Östersund, voted Sweden’s most beautiful villa in 2009, but also the first and only architecture firm in Sweden to be eco-certified by Svanen. Lo and behold, with Royal Edition, Ross Architecture & Design introduces award-winning, life-affirming homes with a majestic touch worthy of kings. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ross Architecture & Design

Pål Ross, founder and lead architect at the firm, has a thought-provoking metaphor for everything and plenty of opinions to boot. “People should be sent to prison for using materials that are bad for you!” he exclaims, riled up by the current status quo, where schools have to close down as teachers and pupils fall ill due to the use of allergy-inducing and otherwise health-threatening building materials. “Surely the starting point should always be to create healthy environments that don’t make people ill.” Refusing to draw square houses and insisting that architecture that feels good, flows well 20 | Issue 87 | April 2016

and looks beautiful can contribute to our overall happiness, he has certainly shaken things up during his two decades on the Swedish architecture scene.

Separating quality and price “I have a motto, which is that the cheapest way to build a house is to do it right the first time,” says the architect, “whereas in the construction industry in Sweden, the saying goes that it’ll be right the third time – it’s the third time lucky. There’s a temptation to save money during the planning stage, but then everything’s cemented by the drawings

and when you move in you have to take down the sink and mount it elsewhere because you didn’t think it through properly.” He pauses to let the message sink in, then reinforces it with another metaphor. “When you choose a life partner, it’s more important to choose right than to choose fast; lasting qualities like character and charisma are more important than, say, the weight of the person. Yet most people are completely obsessed with square metres – it’s like insisting on finding a 70-kilogramme wife.” Known for designing elegantly modern, award-winning homes, it is perhaps ironic that Ross is not more expensive – but that, he says, is the benefit of hiring a committed architect. “I separate quality and price. For me there’s no correlation between expensive and good, or cheap and bad; it doesn’t have to be that way,” he insists. “Half the cost of a construction project is in the materials, and half

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

is in the labour of putting said materials together. I’ve always opted for quality and thus more expensive materials, but we use a construction system that cuts the construction time, so in the end you get more for your money. Plus, with our framework agreements with major suppliers, even the materials come at a significantly lower cost. You can spend four million SEK on a chipboard prefab or the same on living in a work of art – you choose.”

An ultra-exclusive royal touch While the principle of designing beautiful, life-affirming houses that most house buyers can afford is nicely democratic, a certain element of individualism has always been central to the Ross Architecture & Design ethos. As such, it seemed only natural for the architect – who spends countless hours interviewing his clients to get to know their habits and desires before drawing their home – to create a luxury range of exclusive homes for those in the mood for splashing out. “Royal Edition is a palace-like composition, a Ross home with extra everything,” Ross explains. “We’re talking close to 1,000 square metres, which is of course incredibly rare in the private home segment. But we offer just one Royal Edition house per country – it’s that ultra exclusive – so this is for the buyer who is all about the extras and doesn’t really care about the savings.” Two Royal Edition designs are currently available. Villa Stockholm is an elegant countryside mansion, boasting a stylish library and spacious living room, including plenty of room for entertaining guests. Upstairs there are three bedrooms for children and one master bedroom suite with a generous changing room, a bathroom and a private terrace. The ground floor is all about fun and games, perfect for enjoying hobbies including cars, hunting, sports and films. Villa Casa Blanca is nothing short of a modern castle, with huge terraces, stunning reception rooms, four towers and a home spa. Extra everything is just the beginning – and in true Ross style, the potential for personal customisation is near limitless.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to happiness. If you are among the Connoisseur readership and a millionaire, by all means opt for all the glamour to put a silver lining on your life. But the flowing spaces, eco-certified materials and customised beauty come with all Ross houses, no matter what the price. “It’s like music you can’t help but dance to,” says Ross. “The organic movement patterns we work with and the unique architectonical compositions just make you happy – and that’s our intention: to make people feel better and enjoy life more.” For more information, please visit: ross.se

Villa Andromeda, Royal Edition.

Villa Casa Blanca, Royal Edition.

Villa Magic, Exclusive Design.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 21

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

Passion for prints and colours Gyllstad’s printed organic textiles for the home come in a flurry of nature-inspired patterns and exciting colour combinations for easy mixing and matching. The only tricky part is which ones to choose. By Malin Norman | Photo: Karin Björkquist

“It all started with my passion for patterns,” says fashion and textile designer Ulrika Gyllstad. Having studied fashion design at Beckmans College of Design and later working for brands such as H&M and Gant, she has a robust background in the field. “But I became quite tired of the fast changes in the trendy fashion world and wanted to create something more long lasting, something that wouldn’t go out of fashion so quickly.” Moving into interior design in 2006, Gyllstad wanted to pursue her love for designing and producing sustainable products. First up, she started the fabric label Bantie with a colleague, and in 22 | Issue 87 | April 2016

2014 she set up her own company. With such a genuine background in fashion and interior design, some might already recognise Gyllstad’s characteristic prints and vibrant colours, and the stylish collection has received plenty of attention in Scandinavian interior magazines ELLE Decoration, Plaza Interiör, Residence and RUM Design among others.

Below the surface Gyllstad’s colourful prints now appear on tablecloths, cushion covers, bags with bamboo handles, make-up and wash bags in different sizes, and sketchbooks as well as fabrics sold by the metre for customers who want to create their own beautiful designs. The prints come in shades of green and blue, pink and red, sunny yellow and the more neutral, but chic, black and white. “Having patterns and colours around makes you happy!” says the designer.

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

“I love flowers and leaves but get even more inspired by patterns in the microcosmos, when looking really closely at nature through a microscope,” Gyllstad says about her creative inspiration and passion for nature. Other sources of inspiration include architecture and urban environments. “There are patterns everywhere, I’m attracted to infinite repetition,” she says. She also tends to collect fabrics and random objects in different colours for her own stash of inspiration boxes to feed her imagination and creativity. The nature-inspired prints are named Stenar, Delta, Myller, Skyar, Barr and Fiskar. The latter, a pattern of fish that has been picked up by and widely praised in media, is one of Gyllstad’s own personal favorites. She recalls how it first came about during a trip to a tropical island: “I went snorkeling and fell head over heels in love. There were so many beautiful corals and stones and fish under the surface, such a wonderful world!”

Organic and long lasting Scandinavian design gets plenty of attention abroad and so does Gyllstad’s work. Apart from the Scandinavian market, she

already works with stores in Switzerland, South Korea and the US, with interest growing also in Germany and Japan. The designer wants to expand the brand further, but at a reasonable pace. “Growing is exciting, of course, but I want to make sure to keep the growth organic and the production close, so that I can proudly stand for what I’m doing.” Despite many of the larger fashion houses striving to move into a more sustainable production, the textile industry has a bad reputation due to its use of chemicals, water consumption and working conditions and, according to Gyllstad, has a long way to go to become truly environmentally friendly. By setting up her own company, Gyllstad is able to offer designs made with certified, organic, fairtrade fabrics, which have been produced in an environmentally friendly way and ultimately with a more long-term perspective in mind. She draws all designs by hand, prints according to the strict EU Ecolabel criteria, and uses minimum packaging. “People fall first and foremost for my designs, but offering organic products is a great bonus.”

So what does the future hold for this creative mind, apart from more inspirational snorkeling trips to engage with the fascinating world below the surface? “Naturally, I want to continue to develop my designs and introduce new products for the home. Patterns suit so many things,” Gyllstad enthuses. Next on the cards is extending the collection further by adding woven textiles to the existing range of printed fabrics. Gyllstad will showcase her designs at Formex tradeshow in Stockholm 24-27 August. All products are available in the online shop with worldwide shipping, as well as in selected stores in Europe, Asia and the US.

For more information, please visit: www.gyllstad.com Follow @ulrikagyllstad on Instagram.

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Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Swedish Design

Classic Scandinavian design on new products “I wanted to make use of existing Scandinavian design by producing new product categories,” says Helena Melin, founder and owner of Opto Design. By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Opto Design

Melin, who has run the flourishing company together with her husband since 2008, describes how a close relationship with the family of Tove Jansson, the author of the Moomin books, inspired them to start the company. “We found a gap in the market and applied Jansson’s designs to products for adults such as wooden trays, coasters and chopping boards. Nothing similar to the products had ever been made before, and they became an instant success.” Products of the same ilk became the core of Opto Design’s assortment and today the brand is collaborating with

several designers. All are hand-picked and approached directly by Melin. “I want the design to be Scandinavian but also internationally known, so I do a lot of research before bringing something new on board,” she says. A key element in the process of developing products is the joint effort between Melin and the designer or their representatives. “It is such fun to work closely together, and it often initiates new product solutions. Lisa Larson, for example, has created brand new patterns for Opto Design,” says Melin. It was also Lisa Larson who introduced Melin to Stig Lindberg’s design, as she kept serving food on his classic melamine kitchen ware called Blues. Opto Design has now re-launched the kitchen ware collection,

Opto Design strives to work with Swedish factories and wants to encourage Swedish craftsmanship.

which is for sale along with many other products in their webshop and at retailers all over the world. For more information, please visit: www.optodesign.se

DRY

S T UDIOS

D R Y I S A B O U T I T E M S T H AT T E L L A S T O R Y. C R E AT E D F R O M A G E N U I N E I N T E R E S T I N B E A U T I F U L S U S TA I N A B L E O B J E C T S I N P R E M I U M Q U A L I T I E S . M A D E W I T H S O U L A N D PA S S I O N .

M A D E T O L A S T.

#DRYSTUDIOS DRYTHINGS.COM | DRYCOSTUME.COM

De Big si N EG gn Sp ordic ST IAN eica l: UD D

Norwegian design will create the new Norway Norwegian design is not only about valuable export and the exposure of Norwegian culture. Norwegian design can strengthen welfare and lead the way out of an oil crisis. “We no longer ask what we are going to live off after the oil. We ask what we are going to live off right now. The downturn in the oil industry is not transient – it is a new reality. And in a new reality we need to establish a new business community and new ways to run the public sector. This makes the Norwegian design tradition really valuable,” says Susanne Ringdal, communications director at Norsk design- og arkitektursenter, DOGA (Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture). DOGA works to ensure that Norwegian establishments and the public sector adopt design methods to improve. By thinking as designers, Norwegian establishments will manage the realignment.

“In adjusting to a new reality, there is one thing more important than anything else: the consumer. Here, Norwegian companies, regardless of size or industry, have a lot to learn from designers and architects. Thinking like a designer involves adopting a framework and a method that make it possible to focus on the consumer while at the same time assimilating all other related factors,” Ringdal continues. “It is not as simple as meeting or even surpassing the consumer’s needs. Financial, climate and environmental issues, access to raw materials, competitive situations and technological constraints are largely dictated. This is

where the designer’s and the architect’s expertise are valuable,” says the communication director. “Our professional groups are experts in exactly this: handling complex issues in an increasingly complex world. Good design processes can make product and service development in the business community more accurate and less costly. A good system design can make the public sector way more efficient and give residents way better services.”

For more information, please visit: doga.no/en

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 25

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Design Studios

Using methods from service design is key to understanding customer needs and being able to design relevant and attractive service journeys. Photo: Thomas Eckström.

Top: To empower advisors to be more customer-centric, EGGS developed a training programme with tools supporting the advisors in their role throughout the home buying process. Photo: Thomas Eckström. Above: Designing intuitive and clean solutions out of complex systems is key to ensuring safety and efficiency for professional users. Photo: Thomas Eckström.

The new approach to innovation Times are changing, and companies as well as users crave simplicity, innovation and user-specific solutions. The trend is turning towards design-driven innovation, with companies like Airbnb and Uber as perfect examples. EGGS Design picked up on this a long time ago and is one of Scandinavia’s leading companies offering solutions that always put the user’s needs first. By Helene Toftner

EGGS Design is one of Scandinavia’s top design consultancies, offering top-notch competence within service, digital and physical design. “Our aim is to always create value through design, by using an innovative approach to often very complex issues,” says CEO Ulla Sommerfelt. While you may be forgiven for automatically thinking about visual design, EGGS Design uses design methods to make things function as well as possible, rather than simply just looking good. “The world is becoming increasingly complex, with endless opportunities. At the same 26 | Issue 87 | April 2016

time, people are looking for simple solutions to their needs,” Sommerfelt says, mentioning Airbnb as an example. “The app meets the needs of both the renter and the owner, and it allows for the entire user experience to be both simple and safe.”

The changing world of business While newcomers have embraced innovative design in their business models, other more traditional industries are now following suit, and EGGS Design counts banks, airports and heavy indus-

trial companies among their clients. “We see a clear trend towards user focus, and our clients need our help to take their customers’ perspective. Our clients are making a great effort to truly improve their customers’ experience at every touch point,” Sommerfelt explains. “Instead of spending millions on flashy ads to make their customers think they are great, they now work hard on designing services that cover the customers’ actual needs. One example of this is Norway’s largest bank, DNB, who we have worked with over the past five years, with their award-winning service for buying a new home.”

Giving people what they want Sommerfelt continues to emphasise the importance of giving people what they actually want rather than focusing purely on sales. “Service providers such as

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Design Studios

banks begin to understand that they must become far more customer oriented and deliver services that people understand and actually want,” she says. The Norwegian bank DNB is regarded as a frontrunner in this area after realising they had to start meeting their customers to understand and respond to their actual needs. “DNB established flagship branches in the cities, which are open when the customer wants them to be, and where the advisors are available at the times the customers have time to talk to them. By being available on the customers’ terms, DNB no longer has to push its offerings, as the customers naturally choose to invest more and buy more services once they actually get to talk to someone at the bank,” Sommerfelt says.

ing: “We see this in the consumer market, but also in heavy industries such as the oil and maritime industries, both of which are constantly improving on efficiency and safety. Our design-driven approach has helped Rolls-Royce Marine on this quest.” Rolls-Royce Marine purchased several Norwegian maritime companies that all had their different products related to a ship’s bridge. With EGGS Design, RollsRoyce Marine created a new standard for all of their bridge applications. The applications now share the same intuitive logic for use and have the same RRM branded look and feel. In addition, the awardwinning Unified Bridge is well branded in line with that of Rolls-Royce Marine.

Making it simple for people

Moving from technological innovation to design-driven innovation

In a complex world, the need for simplicity is pressing. “The desire for simplicity encourages new solutions. All the new apps are excellent examples of this, as these respond directly to user needs, where the user can buy, sell and locate easily,” Sommerfelt emphasises, add-

Innovation must be the buzzword of the century, but while technology-driven innovation has dominated, we are now moving towards design-driven innovation. “Traditionally companies have sorted the technology first, only to then ask us to ‘add the design’. That is now changing and

we work more holistically from the very start,” Sommerfelt explains. “We usually say that the technology is already there, but it needs to be used wisely to make sense for people, which is our task.” Globeracer Cinematic Cycling is an excellent example of this. An hour on a high-intensity bike can be a challenge mentally as well as physically, but together with EGGS Design the fitness brand has come up with a system that combines video and audio with gamification. On the big screen, users can follow the landscape of country roads or terrain, with their own resistance corresponding to the visuals. The exercise data is tracked, so the spinners can track their performance over time. “The market craved a way of making exercising more fun, committing and motivational, and Globeracer reacted quickly to this,” Sommerfelt says.

For more information, please visit: eggsdesign.com

Top left: DNB has experienced an increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as a greater conversion rate after changing their customer approach. Photo: Thomas Eckström. Top right: Rolls-Royce Marine has used design-driven innovation as a competitive tool to gain maximum insight into how their customers use their products. Photo: Rolls-Royce Marine. Bottom left: Taking the exercisers’ perspective and actively involving them, Globeracer has continuously tested ideas and prototypes to ensure an innovative and fun indoor cycling concept. Photo: Vegard Breie. Bottom right: Globeracer Cinematic Cycling has worked holistically using emerging technologies and gamification to create a new indoor cycling experience. Photo: Martin Skogholt.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 27

The SunTurtle

The SunBell When participating in the Beyond Risør biennale, K8 saw the opportunity to create something for the 1.3 billion people who live off-grid, with nothing but toxic lighting options. The result was the SunBell, a solar-powered LED lamp and mobile charger.

The power of design As our hyper-modern, wireless, everything-in-the cloud world accelerates towards a mind-blowing population of 7.5 billion people, 90 per cent of what is designed and manufactured is consumed by only ten per cent of us. Text and photos by K8

A small design company named K8, located in Oslo, Norway, decided to take on the challenge and use its design skills to brighten up the lives of those people who have little or nothing, living without the luxury of an electric grid.

Fearless It all started in 1998. Three school mates from the School of Architecture and De-

K8's breakthrough: the Stokke Xplory.

28 | Issue 87 | April 2016

sign in Oslo started from scratch. “Some thought it was a silly and arrogant thing to do without much business experience. We thought it was brilliant and exciting and started off as a fearless, playful and responsible studio wanting to explore the power of design. Our slogan was ‘with play the land shall be built!’, a free interpretation of one of Norway’s oldest laws, the Frostathings Law, which says: ‘With law the land shall be built’,” recalls Marius Andresen, CEO of K8 and the only original musketeer still left. Some 18 years later, Andresen runs one of Scandinavia’s most influential design studios. K8 is now an eight-person team keen to make a difference and push boundaries, not following mainstream trends. “We are a bit of a nerdy bunch with a great love for gadgets,” says Andresen. “Our new creative spaces have 3D printers, laser cutters and

other machines to make our dreams come true. In this digital age, it is more important than ever to get a physical product for people to test. Humans are still a bunch of monkeys, enjoying physical objects.”

Playful “In the early days, we put a lot of time into creating awesome concepts regardless of their business potential. Pure enthusiasm and belief in the gospel of playfulness spurred us on to create the walking cane concept Hotgo for the Scandinavian Design Beyond the Myth exhibition, which toured Europe between 2003 and 2007. This was a walking stick with a booklet of tips for daily practice and joy. We wanted to break down some well-established stigmas linked to the walking cane and reinvent it as a fun communication tool,” Andresen explains. K8 has also contributed to the world of parents and children, winning the international Stokke design competition in 1999 with the now famous Xplory stroller. “We were light years ahead of any other country in terms of men taking equal

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Design Studios

responsibility for their children the first 12 months,” says the CEO. The Xplory became a breakthrough for the K8 team. Xplory, with its unmatched height adjustment for both parent and child and the groundbreaking single-pole patent, pushed the idea of child transportation beyond a romanticised mums’ world to a much more technical-functional unisex universe, inspiring innovative product development in the children’s segment globally. “When I go travelling, be it to a big African city or to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, I have this hobby of expecting to spot a Stokke Xplory in no more than half an hour. I rarely get disappointed,” the K8 manager grins.

Gut feeling In the last seven years, hard work and faith have led K8 along the path of entrepreneurship and start-ups in many shapes and forms. K8 have co-founded three new businesses since 2011: Bright Products, ConceptoMed and bbhugme. “We participated in the Beyond Risør biennale and, alongside seven other design agencies, we were given the task of designing an environmentally friendly light. It was a golden opportunity for us to say ‘now, let’s design something for the 1.3 billion people living off-grid with nothing but expensive, toxic kerosene as a lighting option’,” says Andresen. Following the event in Risør in 2010, the solarpowered LED lamp and mobile charger, SunBell, was developed.

with a product you have designed, knowing it’s the result of a team effort.” In addition to the off-grid lamp, K8 was instrumental to the creation of an innovative nursing pillow called bbhugme, now launched in Scandinavia, as well as the med-tech company ConceptoMed, through the development of the Luer-Jack. The Luer-Jack is the next-generation syringe, allowing medical professionals to disconnect and dispose of needle hubs with one hand in a safe way. ConceptoMed is now valued at 437 million NOK, K8 being one of its three founders.

Marius Andresen, CEO.

For more information, please visit: K8.no

Responsible The first time Andresen saw a K8 design as a physical product, it was as garbage on the street. “I stepped in a pizza sleeve, and as I removed it I noticed it was my own design,” he says. “It really got me thinking. Everything we make eventually ends up as waste. Therefore we as designers must put more energy into thinking about the impact products make, and how we can design more sustainably.” What the future holds is uncertain, but with a fearless, playful and responsible attitude, there is surely great fun ahead for the K8 team, who are always ready for a challenge.

The Luer-Jack.

The Less Stretcher.

The K8 team.

SunBell In 2011, SunBell became its own company, Bright Products AS, which now manufactures and sells solar-powered lanterns for the off-grid market in Africa and the Middle East, with the UN as a major client. A small but international team, K8 is now enjoying the luxury of working with both big companies and small start-ups. Both are enjoyable and both require the same design process, according to Andresen. “There is something magical and energising about working with true entrepreneurs,” he says. “Nothing beats the kick of seeing people instantly happy Issue 87 | April 2016 | 29

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Design Studios

Realising an illustrator’s dream The Bergen-based artist and illustrator Jeanette Sundal has been drawing all her life and is the genius behind the illustrative art of A Cup of Me Studio. By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Jeanette Sundal

It has been over 14 years since Sundal went to Bergen Art School and received a degree in the history of art at the University of Bergen. Since then, she has worked within fashion, interior design and illustration design. It was not until 2014 that Sundal finally launched A Cup of Me Studio, the culmination of her artistic spirit and her entrepreneurial need to establish her own illustration business. Today, she has a collection of illustrations for sale on her website and has been commissioned to illustrate larger pieces by private individuals and companies alike.

Nature meets the urban Sundal’s inspiration comes from the interaction of themes from nature and those of the urban environment. “I enjoy mixing themes from nature, like animals, with a 30 | Issue 87 | April 2016

background of bold colour and pop artthemed design,” Sundal explains. With her childhood spent on a farm in one of the stunning fjords of western Norway and her adult years in the city of Bergen, these combinations and interactions make sense. In her role as a manager and buyer at a boutique, Sundal travels for work to Paris, Copenhagen and beyond. From her various trips she always brings home a wealth of inspiration for her illustrations and designs. It is no wonder A Cup of Me Studio illustrations have been described as playful in their design and use of bold strokes and colours. Presently, A Cup of Me Studio illustrations are available at a dozen or so se-

lected shops in Norway and even one in the Netherlands. Sundal is also an avid user of Instagram and Facebook, where she showcases her designs and successfully helps increase their popularity. In addition, her illustrations have been featured in various refurbishment TV shows and interior design magazines in Norway. As A Cup of Me Studio becomes more established, Sundal plans to go beyond Norway’s borders and add other forms of art and interior design to her collection. “I’ve dreamed about doing this for so long now,” Sundal concludes. “With so much inspiration around me, I have so much more to create.”

For more information and pictures of illustrations, please visit www.acupofmestudio.com or follow @acupofmestudio on Instagram.

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Design Studios

Norwegian product design: inside and out Established in 2009, Konstrukt delivers product design services. Specialising in densely integrated electro-mechanical products, the product development plan emphasises an experienced, no-nonsense approach, where the visual design is based on the vital functionality and production techniques.

Left: ABAX4 electronic triplog device. Middle: The SunSense Coin, a personal UVdosimetre to avoid sunburn. Top right: ABAX EQ equipment control unit. Bottom right: Carbon fibre reinforced Larsen Biathlon diopter, an aiming instrument for biathlons.

cent. Longevity is always on our minds when designing, ensuring the user doesn’t replace the product prematurely. It usually also works to the benefit of our customers.”

By Didrik Ottesen | Photos: Konstrukt

Since the beginning, Konstrukt has focused on the totality of the product design process, aiming to be involved from idea to production to ensure a holistic design-based approach to every concept. “Being responsible for and following the product all the way until it leaves the assembly line in regular series production, calls for some extra consideration during the design process,” says CEO Åsulv Tønnesland. The motto is ‘Product design, inside AND out’, emphasising the importance of functionality and tightly integrated design. This goes well with the requirements from long-time partner ABAX, a Larvik-based company and market leader in triplog and vehicle tracking systems. “ABAX values good design and control over the entire value chain,” Tønnesland says. “With the latest advances in elec-

tronics, clever design thinking not only allows us to make world-leading products, but also to move production traditionally done in Asia home to Norway.” Working with product design these days also calls for some further reflections. “As designers, we are bringing even more products to our overcrowded and littered planet. Truly environmentally friendly products are few and far between. Most come in different shades of environmental destructiveness, if you look past the shallow marketing phrases,” says the CEO. “Reducing the energy and resources going into the production of each unit is good, but an often forgotten aspect of design is the longevity. If by clever and thorough design we can make a product last twice as long as a competing one, we have effectively reduced the environmental impact per year by 50 per

The Evje-based company also works on independent projects and has recently developed the SunSense Coin: a coin-sized personal UV-dosimetre with a supporting app to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Also close to launch is a mobile accessory product, aiming to save consumers money, improve safety and reduce environmental impact by eliminating vast amounts of waste. A system revolutionising ventilation and energy recovery in older buildings is also in the works. “However,” Tønnesland adds, “despite a growing team of highly skilled people, we are still a small, design-oriented company, and we are looking for investors and relevant distributors in the process of commercialising these products.” For more information, please visit: konstrukt.no

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ic : rd ical o N N pe g IA IGN Bi gn S G S si E De W DE

R N NO HIO S FA

The Mie Grand colours for the spring/summer season. Photo: Siv Katralen.

Photo: Anthony Huus.

Photo: Close to my heart.

Love, every step of the way “The brand name, Close to my heart, really explains how I feel about Nepal,” says head designer Siv Katralen about her feelings towards the country where her knits are produced. By Andrea Bærland

Katralen’s love affair with Nepal and the Nepalese people started in 2011, when she came down from a trekking expedition in the Himalayas and met the sympathetic people. After over 20 years in the fashion industry selling knitwear, she then decided to design and sell products

handmade in Nepal. Close to my heart was born with its first product, the Mie Grand scarf in 100 per cent cashmere. Now, the Mie Grand scarf comes in 16 to 18 different colours every season and is by far the most-produced item at Close to my heart. “The colouring process is time consuming, only ten to 15 scarves are dyed per batch in a process that takes an hour and a half. There is a lot of love in a Mie Grand scarf,” Katralen explains. It started with the scarf, then ponchos followed, until the brand expanded into a full Autumn 2014 collection. Close to my heart carries a broad range of wool

32 | Issue 87 | April 2016

and cashmere knits in all the colours of the rainbow. The products have proven to be an enormous success in Norway so far, with 85 selected retailers from north to south.

International growth While domestic success is highly appreciated, Katralen and her team have international ambitions and recently attended the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair to reach out to buyers outside Norwegian borders. “There was plenty of interest in our clothes in Copenhagen, and hopefully we’ll start supplying retailers in Denmark and Sweden in the near future,” she says about her ambitions for the future on the business side of things. “Close to my heart is blessed with a fantastic team of dedicated employees. We do everything ourselves, and with this team we’re sure we’ll make it!”

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Fashion Design

ly, and they manage to keep up with the school work,” Katralen says. Having experienced firsthand the difference its charitable work really makes, Close to my heart plans to donate further to the ‘Pads for school’ so that the project can expand and reach an increasing amount of girls. In addition to private donations and fundraisers, ten per cent from Close to my heart’s online shop sales are donated to projects focused on ensuring the right to education for all, a cause the team behind the brand is particularly passionate about.

Close to my heart is not afraid to show you who made your clothes. Photo: Elisa Røtterud.

But Close to my heart is about so much more than just making a profit, and Katralen’s love for Nepal extends far beyond high-quality cashmere clothing. Since the brand’s launch in 2011, Katralen has visited Nepal three to four times each year. Following the 2015 earthquake, Close to my heart bought 400 blankets, pillows and mattresses, which Katralen helped distribute in one of the hardest hit areas, while staying in local housing. “Additionally, Brynje of Norway donated 60 kilogrammes of wool clothes, and our fantastic local suppliers contributed with 100 handmade cashmere baby blankets,” Katralen adds.

Giving back One important item on the agenda during Katralen’s trips is visiting the factories where Close to my heart garments are produced. “We have a very close-knit relationship with the factories we work with. All employees are adults and paid, by Nepalese standards, a proper living wage. The nature of many of our garments requires that they are stitched by hand, so we have incredibly skilled workers who really know their craft, and are paid thereafter,” Katralen explains. Additionally, the entire team behind Close to my heart holds Nepal and its people close to their hearts, as the brand name suggests, and the company has taken a number of initiatives to give back to the communities that produce its garments.

Katralen also notes that the brand’s charity work has attracted some of Norway’s best-known fashion professionals, such as high-profile photographer Anthony Huus and Line Langmo, stylist to the stars.

Pads for school “So many of the things we take for granted back home and consider basics, such as clean water and education, are not provided to the people of Nepal,” Katralen says. The most recent project the brand engaged with was the ‘Pads for school’ project, aiming to keep girls and young women in education. “You and me, and even the inhabitants of Kathmandu, can just pop over to the shop to buy tampons and sanitary pads when the need arises,” she says. In the rural communities, however, these sanitary products are not readily available, so menstruating girls either have to resort to rags, or stay home from school. “One week every month – it quickly adds up and they fall behind,” Katralen says firmly. The people involved in the ‘Pads for school’ project sew reusable sanitary pads and distribute them in local schools. “So far we have made pads for nearly 3,000 girls, and I have experienced distributing them. It is an indescribable feeling to provide the girls with a product that they can use – and that they actually do use. The absence of the girls that have received sanitary pads has fallen sharp-

In essence, Close to my heart delivers love to everyone involved. While customers get clothes they can wear and love for years to come, the garments also bring development projects to the communities producing them, projects that hopefully will do them good well into the future.

For more information about the brand and its charitable work, please visit: closetomyheart.no

Photo: Elisa Røtterud.

Close to my heart’s passion project is the right to education for all. Photo: Chris Beall.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 33

Going back to basics Lene and Rikke Holmen-Jensen have both nurtured life-long dreams and a passion for fashion. As luck would have it, marrying one Holmen-Jensen brother each would bring the two enterprising ladies together. After many deep conversations about their hopes and dreams, the brand elle&il was born. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Kristen & Vibeke

The elle&il collection contains quality garments including singlets, t-shirts, long-sleeves and dresses for women. Holmen-Jensen adds that all the styles are named after women that matter to them and that their current best seller, the long-sleeved Celine, is named after Rikke’s sister.

“Any good wardrobe needs to contain great basics. The basics are what brings it all together, and they are the pieces you wear over and over again,” says Lene Holmen-Jensen, explaining that the duo felt there was a gap in the market, making room for their fashionable, high-quality and clean-cut basic wear. “We wanted to make basics that appeal to fashionable women,” Holmen-Jensen says.

Instant favourite

Following a visit to a fabric fair in Paris and factory visits in Portugal, the sistersin-law decided to take the plunge in the autumn of 2014 and launch a line of basic tops and dresses, made from incredibly comfortable materials such as modal and linen in the colours black, white and grey.

The Norwegian fashion elite quickly took the brand to their hearts, the fashion magazine Vixen placed elle&il among the top five designers to watch, and the line is spotted regularly on fashionistas such as Celine Aagaard and Darja Barannik, as well as one of Norway’s biggest female celebrity, singer Tone Damli. Ray Kay, most famous for directing music videos

34 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Photo: Ray Kay

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Fashion Design

for Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and the like, is also a fan and has done two promotional shoots for the brand in Miami. “Last year was a whirlwind of a year, it really surpassed all expectations. While we have always been ambitious, we are now planning to go international much earlier than we originally planned,” says Holmen-Jensen and reveals that their first venture abroad will be attending the fair at the next Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Creating jobs “While we have both always had a great interest in fashion, we have also both worked in fashion before within management and finance. With our backgrounds we are definitely very conscious about building a brand, and building a company. We don’t just want to sell clothes – we want to create new jobs as well,” Holmen-Jensen points out. And so far, barely over a year into their start-up dream, they have been able to hire two sales representatives full time. “We have fantastic chemistry with the ladies we hired, which is such an important factor in a small company. And they have done an absolutely amazing job of bringing our wares to even more retailers across the country,” HolmenJensen smiles.

stranger in the street wearing elle&il is exciting, and a sign that we are reaching our goals,” Holmen-Jensen says with a smile. She also adds that this understanding of and approach to shop finances is one of the factors in buyers choosing their merchandise over others, and that many stores today have elle&il as the sole provider of basic garments for their clients. “Another reason why we increasingly become the preferred basic wear provider is our timeless, ageless cut. Our garments become the customer’s favourite whether she is 20 or 60 years old,” says Holmen-Jensen. “We also do modelling competitions on social media to recruit girls that could be our next elle&il girl. We want to appeal to the fashionable girl next door.” And if the company continues to grow at its current pace, it will not be long until the girls next door in Stockholm, Copenhagen and beyond base their wardrobes around garments by elle&il.

Photo: Kaja Bruskeland.

Sisters-in-law Lene (left) and Rikke Holmen-Jensen joined forces to realise their life-long dreams.

For more information, please visit elleandil.com, like elle&il on Facebook, and follow @elleandil on Instagram.

Today elle&il can be found in 60 stores and online retailers across Norway, as well as in the brand’s own online shop. “Having a grasp of economics and store management, we focus on being a store-friendly brand in the way that we leave slim margins, making the products more affordable, while supplying retailers throughout the season so they don’t have to take big risks in stocking up,” Holmen-Jensen says.

A sustainable business model “We’re not just focused on pushing our products out into the shops; the end sale is just as important to us. We want our clothes to reach its audience, and there is nothing as satisfying as seeing our clothes on women who are not our friends or related to us. Spotting a

Photo: Marian Jade.

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An ‘It bag’ you can wear with good conscience Feeling slightly guilty every time you fall for temptation and buy another bag? You are certainly not alone, but Malaika’s lets you do good while adding a piece to your collection. The brand designs stylish bags inspired by Scandinavian urban living while sourcing and producing everything in Kenya, creating income in a country burdened by more than 50 per cent unemployment.

While the conscious approach is a nice silver lining, the sleek design is crucial. The bags are fully sourced and produced in Kenya, but Norwegian born-and-bred Smørgrav finds inspiration for the design in Scandinavia – and it shows. “I am inspired by Nordic minimalism and sleek architecture,” she says. “The upcoming summer collection is in fact inspired by Oslo’s new Barcode area, including the much celebrated Opera house.”

By Helene Toftner | Photos: Malaika’s

It all started when founder and designer Ingunn Smørgrav lived in Kenya, where she saw first-hand what poverty and unemployment did to people. “I wanted to do something about it, and my way was to provide people with work,” she says. Thus she went to the Maasai people for leather, to the local township Kibera for recycled brass for the hardware, and finally to a skilled labourer in Nairobi to sew, creating stylish handbags with an ethical backdrop. “People are becoming increasingly aware of ethical design, and questioning how workers are treated and paid. The way Malaika’s works, there are no middlemen, and I know exactly what the conditions are like,” Smørgrav explains. 36 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Did you know… The logo and locks on Malaika’s bags are from old padlocks collected in Kibera, one of the world’s largest slums. The name Malaika means ‘angel’ in Swahili, the official language in Kenya, and was initially Smørgrav’s nickname when living there.

Malaika’s bags are available for purchase online and can be shipped to most countries. For inspiration and to buy a conscious designer bag, please visit: www.malaikas.no

Photo: Julie Pike

Arctic simplicity: sustainable design for the future After a two-year stint in the London and New York fashion world, where she worked with Giles Deacon and Anna Sui, Norwegian designer Elisabeth Benonisen returned to her native city of Bodø. There she founded a flagship store and started designing handbags affiliated with local craftsmanship and nature. By Didrik Ottesen | Photos: Erika Hebbert

Using fish leather as the brand’s main material, Eben was established in 2013 with the ambition to design fashion accessories in tune with the northern Norwegian culture and made from sustainable materials. “In addition to its beauty, fish leather has an interesting structure and is very durable. It also requires a great amount of effort to make it work from a business point of view, but I believe that almost anything is possible,” says Benonisen. “The fact that I can use an available by-product from the local food industry, which would otherwise be thrown away as rubbish, gives me faith that it is possible to design successful products while also thinking about the environment and our future.”

Materials aside, the founder of Eben also looks ahead when designing both bags and jewellery. “Eben’s accessories are designed with a timeless functionality that makes them accessible to the customers,” she explains. “Rather than focusing on strict seasonal collections, my business model allows me to gradually phase in new models and colours in a more organic way, depending on demand. The result is ‘slow fashion’ with substance and a connection to nature and origin.” In addition to utilising fish skin, the designer has established contact with a reindeer skin manufacturer in northern Sweden and a local marble storage close to her hometown. Using leftover leath-

er and marble in her latest bag models, Benonisen further ensures that her brand remains eco-friendly. The sustainable approach is far from coincidental. “I grew up in the north of Norway, by the sea. One of my grandfathers was a fisherman from Lofoten, the other of Sámi origin. My family has always enjoyed a closeness to and respect for nature and the environment. And despite having lived in New York and London and travelling a lot, my Norwegian roots are an essential part of me,” Benonisen insists. Sales are already on the up in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. While the flagship store is still located in Bodø, Eben is represented in the popular concept store F5 in Oslo, known for its selection of cutting-edge Norwegian design. For more information, please visit: eben.no

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 37

Making good eye health the number one priority Since Moshe ‘Mokki’ Ohana first arrived in Norway in 1987, he has dedicated his life to building the brand Mokki Eyewear and revolutionising the Norwegian market of high-quality eyewear. By never compromising on the quality of the lens in order to make a bigger profit, Mokki has become one of the best-selling eyewear brands in Scandinavia. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Mokki

They may be bestsellers, but many consumers are unaware that they are wearing Mokki glasses due to Ohana’s humble approach to making a quality product the stores want to sell, rather than marketing them to the general customer. In addition to making a variety of fashionable and high-quality glasses and sunglasses, Ohana has also developed the Mokki brand’s own collections for 38 | Issue 87 | April 2016

bespectacled customers from all walks of life.

Babies and toddlers Ohana is particularly passionate when he talks about sunglasses for babies and toddlers. “For some reason the market for sunglasses in the baby and toddler department has been neglected. I find that they’re often cheap, and of poor quality. While design is important, the most im-

portant aspect of sunglasses for babies, or anyone else for that matter, is the lens and its ability to protect the eyes from the damaging sun-rays,” Ohana says. Mokki uses high-quality lenses from Japan in their sunglasses for the youngest, just as they do for adults. “It would be foolish to compromise on quality for the children just because they grow out of them quicker than we do; their eyes really should be protected at all costs,” Ohana insists. While Ohana says he is flattered when he hears that all the children in a family have worn a single pair of his baby sunglasses because of their durability, he also points out that that the lens and its ability to

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Norwegian Fashion Design

protect the eye efficiently wears off with time. “Sunglasses are a consumer product that should be replaced frequently, for the sake of your own eye health,” he explains.

Reasonably priced quality Changing sunglasses and glasses frequently can quickly become a costly affair. To avoid completely breaking your bank, Mokki has taken measures to provide their customers with the most costefficient spectacles possible. Ohana believes the brand owes much of it success to its capability of offering glasses of the highest quality at a reasonable price. “Everyone in the industry raised an eyebrow when I started purchasing fairly expensive frames and fitting them with high-quality Japanese lenses, yet selling them at an affordable price,” Ohana recalls. “People are willing to spend a lot of money on glasses, and often they are being offered three different kinds of lenses

at three different prices when they visit an optician. But without knowing the difference between them, how is the consumer going to make an informed decision and pick the lens best suited for her needs, rather than either taking a gamble on the most expensive being the best, or picking the cheapest to save money?” Ohana poses.

tionally, we will send the scans to several different eye doctors around Europe, free of charge, for them to assess the client’s eye health. The results of the assessment will be sent straight to the client’s mobile phone, informing him whether he should consider visiting an eye doctor, or if there is anything else he should be conscious of,” Ohana explains.

An app for the future

Ohana oozes true passion for healthy eyes and insists that they must be properly protected during all stages of our lives. “We only get two eyes in this life – it is important that we take good care of them,” he says firmly before adding: “Nothing in the world makes me happier than when a customer puts on a pair of Mokki glasses and feels and sees the difference. Those moments really make all my hard work worth it.”

The enterprising entrepreneur is now determined to answer his own question and revolutionise the future for eyewear customers everywhere. In addition to the eyewear ranges, Mokki has developed an eye scanner that determines what each client needs from their lenses. In the near future, Mokki would even be able to offer their customers an app for their smart phones, enabling them to bring their results with them and make a more informed decision once it is time to go shopping for new glasses again. “Addi-

For more information, please visit: facebook.com/mokkieyewear or follow @mokkieyewear on Instagram.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 39

Above: The mind behind the brand, Kine Haugen. Photo: Heidi Kierulf

Basic Italian elegance in Oslo Kine Haugen has always lived by the philosophy that she wants few, but nice, highquality things in all aspects of her life. “I have always had a classical and clean style, whether I dress myself, other people or rooms,” says Haugen, who has a background in interior design. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Erik Krafft

“I have never cared about trends; when I find something I love, I want to continue buying that product,” Haugen says, explaining that time and again she has been disappointed that her favourite products have been discontinued. After meeting several like-minded shoppers equally frustrated that their favourite products are suddenly out of fashion, she decided to take matters into her own hands and fill that gap in the market. With a love for Italy, fluency in the language and contacts within the industry, Haugen chose the country widely known and respected for its tailoring traditions as her place of production. “Having such a close-knit relationship with the manufacturers has given me the opportunity to place special orders, and several regular customers have their own prefer40 | Issue 87 | April 2016

ences on file at the factory in Italy,” she says. Another far-away country Haugen takes inspiration from is India, where she gets fabrics dyed and printed according to Indian block print traditions. When STORIES by KINE was launched in 2014, Haugen’s first project was to improve the ultimate basic: the shirt. “In my opinion, at least one of these five elements tends to be wrong with shirts: the length, the cut, the buttons, the cuff or the collar,” Haugen explains. In her view, the shirt should be long enough to look good over trousers, but also long enough to tuck in well and stay there. The cut should give a feminine silhouette and the cuffs and collar should be small and feminine. “And the buttons need to be placed so you avoid that awkward gap across the chest,” Haugen says firmly.

Since her restructuring of the classical shirt, the brand has grown to include other types of basic wear garments as well. “My focus is now on keeping the core of my brand as small and timeless as it is. I want to continue to be a place people can return to and find their favourites year after year, but I’ll also continue to import unique items from every corner of the world to complement them,” Haugen says of the future. And should a STORIES BY KINE item become the favourite of someone in another corner of the world, Haugen’s very own online shop, shipping worldwide, is set to go live this spring. “While I do have selected retailers across the country, I want the boutique on Frogner in Oslo to become a place where people can come and hear the stories behind their clothes, somewhere we can all share our enthusiasm for great craftsmanship and design,” Haugen concludes. For more information, please visit: storiesbykine.com

De Big si N E gn Sp ordic IN ei N cal:

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The finishing touch to any outfit Sometimes the easiest solutions are simply the best. The hair clips from Den Lille Prikken Over I’en are exactly this, as they serve the simple purpose of keeping the hair in place while spicing up any outfit. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Den Lille Prikken Over I’en

The idea came to Doris O Bondø’s mind when she had her two girls nearly ten years ago. After trawling the shops for nice-looking hair clips for the girls at no avail, she decided to make her own. While initially keeping it as a hobby, providing samples for local shops in Trondheim, popular demand meant that she soon had her hands busy around the clock. Together with business partner Anita Kjøsnes, she started Den Lille Prikken Over I’en, translating roughly into ‘the little finishing touch’ or ‘the cherry on top’. “Customers come back for clips to match different outfits, and mothers seem to love them as much as their kids do,” Bondø says.

The company designs and produces decorative hair clips for babies and children up to their early teens, as well as hair bands and Alice bands. “The colours vary like the colours of the rainbow, with floral patterns being popular for the summer,” Bondø says. “We also do accessories for special occasions where we add Swarovski crystals to sparkle in the hair. Our all-time most popular collection is the 17 May designs with Norwegian colours and flags.” But the clips are not just a pretty; they also provide a solution to one of the neverending nuisances of many parents. Most parents of daughters will have ex-

perienced clips falling out even before their little ones are out the front door, as did Bondø. “The secret to our clips is an anti-slip tape, which means that they stick to the hair almost regardless of activities,” Bondø explains. “We tested them throughout football matches and on the trampoline, without a single clip falling out.”

For more information, please visit www.denlilleprikkenoverien.no and for inspiration see www.facebook. com/denlilleprikkenoverien or follow @denlilleprikkenoverien on Instagram

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 41

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Made in Norway

Designer Hanne Undlien.

The human body as inspiration for jewellery Using the body as a canvas for the art of jewellery is nothing new. However, the distinctive use of the beauty, functionality and biology of the human body to inspire jewellery design is a fresh approach, courtesy of designer Hanne Undlien. By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Aliona Pazdniakova

With a workshop in Oslo, Norway, Hanne Undlien creates collections of handmade jewellery that is delicately simple yet timeless in appearance. Her primary choice of material is 925 sterling silver, while a range of other materials, from diamonds to gold and tsavorite, are also used in her designs.

The human body as inspiration In her work, the human body is the source of all inspiration. She is a qualified doctor, so this fascination of the interaction, precision and almost limitless possibilities of the body makes sense. “Of all of nature’s masterpieces, the human body is surely the most spectacular,” says Undlien. “The human body is a work of engineering art with inimitable masterful mechanisms.” 42 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Through her jewellery collections, Undlien aims to replicate the beauty, functionality and gentle lines and rhythms of the body. Her wish is for all her jewellery to be aesthetically pleasing, functional and sit comfortably on the body. “My happiest moments in jewellery design are when I recreate some of the body’s finely tuned mechanisms in a new design and find that the jewellery’s main attribute – its beauty – has transpired almost by itself,” Undlien says.

cufflinks is a tribute to the hamate bone in the human wrist that protrudes towards the shirt cuff. The Cellula collection gives homage to human bone cells and is made up of various connected circles. Finally, the Condylus rings are named after the round prominence at the finger joints. Her unique inspiration and the timelessness of her collections have captured the eyes of the industry. She was recently invited to showcase her work at Oslo Treasure, the Norwegian jewellery show associated with Oslo Fashion Week. “It’s exciting to see my collection on stage,” she says. “I hope to create jewellery that appeals to generations to come.”

Latin attributes Latin is the common language used to describe the body around the world, and Undlien has purposefully chosen appropriate Latin names for her jewellery collections. Her Hamatum collection of

To view Undlien’s full collections, please visit: www.undlien.oslo.no

The Lyng A/P/S mountain boot.

Adventure on steady feet One of Norway’s oldest shoe manufacturers, Alfa Sko AS on Hadeland has clad the feet of adventurers of all ages and abilities with pride for the past 85 years. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Alfa Sko

While the company remains true to its roots and its robust Norwegian values, by keeping the product development and design work at home and ensuring that the production of their shoes is sustainable, it is also a brand that remains current and has great international ambition. “Our goal is to make your adventures more comfortable,” says CEO Pål Olimb. “Whether you hike for the fun of it or you are a professional mountaineer going on elaborate expeditions, we want to offer something suitable.” As part of their recent re-branding effort, the design team at Alfa has developed a new line of mountain boots — A/P/S — which has been a great success both in the market and among the connois-

cal initiatives within Norsk Friluftsliv — an umbrella organisation for Norwegian recreational organisations — with whom Alfa works closely.

seurs. Last year, one of the boots in the collection, Lyng A/P/S, was awarded both the Scandinavian Outdoor Award at an industry fair in Munich and the Norwegian Design Council’s award for good design. With a new product line in addition to their Norwegian values and love for adventure, Alfa has set their sights on expanding in Scandinavia and the Alps.

Andreas, the adventurer, is scheduled to make his first appearance at Vinjerock this summer, a rock festival popular among young recreational hikers. “Andreas will chronicle his adventures on his own Facebook page and blog, through words, video and photography, and hopefully spread some enthusiasm and recruit new hikers,” Olimb says.

In-house adventurer

Additionally, the CEO explains, the adventurer will be walking in Alfa shoes, and for the first time the company will have someone in-house who is capable of thoroughly testing and giving long-term feedback on the Alfa products. “With Andreas involved, we hope to further enhance our product development and make even comfier shoes,” Olimb says, adding: “We don’t aim to export just good shoes, but also a comfortable and exciting adventure.”

To further test the boots’ durability and comfort, Alfa recently hired a full-time adventurer on a one-year contract. In addition to the traditional applications, a handful of candidates were also recruited via social media. “We have just recently hired Andreas, a really great and downto-earth guy, as our official adventurer,” Olimb says. The plan, Olimb explains, is that the adventurer will travel to some of Norway’s most iconic nature destinations, as well as engage in activities with a variety of lo-

For more information, please visit: alfa.no

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 43

Photo: Foto Norden

An oasis of inspiration On one of the buzzing streets of Grunerløkka, among vintage shops and local coffee bars, you will find Mitt lille hjem (My little home), a shop with a special, welcoming atmosphere where you will always be greeted as a friend. By Vilde Røssland | Photos: Gitte Boge

The shop has been a phenomenal success ever since owner and founder Julie Ann Seglem opened its doors in 2010. Her secret? “Hard work and the ability to always keep evolving,” she says. She is constantly on the lookout for new trends within both interior and fashion design, and her love for redecorating the shop makes for a more interesting experience. “I’m thrilled to go to work every day, knowing that my customers appreciate all the hard work we put into the shop,” Seglem says. The shop offers a perfect mix of exciting brands, almost exclusively Scandinavian, of fashion, leather bags and accessories, including Hogst, a brand developed 44 | Issue 87 | April 2016

by Seglem herself along with her father Arnold Seglem.

Hogst: raw, simple elegance Shortly after opening the shop, as another surge of creativity came over her, Seglem sat down with her father and started working on a new idea. Combining the creatives’ love of Norwegian nature and its purity with the desire to create something beautiful out of what was already on the doorstep of young Seglem’s childhood home in Lyngdal, the Hogst brand was born. After her father cuts the trees down and dries them for seven or eight months, the producers behind the brand can get started with the most exciting part of the job: the actual design.

As early as 2010, the pair decided to start selling a selection of handmade products in the shop, and shortly after Seglem knew that the demand was great and her customers loved the raw and simple elegance of Hogst. Yet it was not until 2015 that the father and daughter developed it into a fully-fledged brand with a complete collection and a strong focus on lamps. What started out as a couple of lamps with naked bulbs and a few magazine holders soon grew to become a full collection with a variety of lamps, dish drying mats, tea light holders and other bits and bobs. The collection is 100 per cent Norwegian, boasting unique products handmade by a family with a sincere love for what they do, welcoming you with open arms into your little home. For more information, please visit: mittlillehjem.no

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Made in Norway

Wool clothing with a social touch

By Linda K. Gaarder Photos: Tim P. Kristiansen from Arctic Photos

Polar Ull offers locally handmade wool products that keep you warm under the northern lights and give new career opportunities to those who need them. “At a time when most things are mass produced, we wanted to make something real with a high wool quality and put an emphasis on the process and the people behind the products,” says Siv Mosling, department manager from Polar Ull. Situated in Mo i Rana, Polar Ull collaborates with the social service Driv Karriere, which helps people with a lack of opportunities. Those who lose their jobs now have an opportunity to take part in creating a variety of wool clothes. The result is simple, well-made ponchos, skirts, hats, mittens, baby clothes, long-johns and even a medieval dress called ‘Eddadrakten’. “Along with a social engagement in the way we make the products, we also do everything ourselves, from designing to knitting, and all the wool is produced in Norway,” says Mosling. The hats and mittens reached a moment of fame in Joanna Lumley’s hunt for the northern lights in a 2008 BBC documentary. When the presenter travelled

around the amazing winter scenery, she kept her head and hands warm with Polar Ull’s wool garments. Complementing the winter clothing, Mosling once had an idea to let the Norwegian Middle Ages inspire women’s dresses, which turned into her design of Eddadrakten with a feminine touch in a subtle wool cloth. With a wide range of wool products, from medieval dresses to winter clothing, Polar Ull will in addition to the store in Alvilde in Mo i Rana open their online shop next month.

Eddadrakten.

For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/polarull and www.eddadrakten.com

Stick your home town on the wall Feeling nostalgic about days long gone, growing up in your home town, or are you simply very proud of your local football team? Many have put these feelings on the wall with prints from Design by Odd. The graphic design company draws typographic maps of parts of Norway, ranging from the capital city to picturesque villages hidden between the fjords. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Design by Odd

The man behind Design by Odd is Odd Endre Pettersen, and he notes that while the big cities remain the most popular, many smaller places, often unknown to him, are requested. “There is a general sense of proud geographical belonging, and people want to show this off, particularly if they live away from their place of origin,” Pettersen says. “We work closely with local patriots around the country to get the names and maps as accurate as possible and reflect the local sense of belonging which the owner feels.”

Oslo and Bergen, and all the way down to a small fishing village in northern Norway. “Most are ready to order, while we also receive requests about new places,” Pettersen says. “This is a piece of interior design that goes down equally well with men and women. When living together, often one person isn’t quite as keen on a poster as the other, but with our prints they are usually both happy to give it a prominent spot on the wall.”

The prints are from Norway, with hand drawn maps covering areas ranging from the whole country to bigger cities such as

For inspiration and to order online, please visit: www.designbyodd.no

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 45

Classic beauties for your home Krogh Design has set its heart on classic lines, often with a touch of French romance. Over the past three years the furniture design company has grown its offering to include furniture for houses and cabins as well as interior items, accessories and wellness products sold to all of Europe. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Krogh Design

The furniture design company offers unique furniture, accessories, interior items and wellness products you will not find in your neighbour’s home. With a classic yet romantic look, Krogh Design has made its mark on the competitive design market. “We trawl trade events and shows all over the world for the special pieces you certainly won’t find at local chain stores,” says founder and owner Marita M. Krogh. Interestingly, Krogh is a qualified nurse but has years of sales experience in 46 | Issue 87 | April 2016

her bag. “I have always been passionate about creating beautiful places,” she says. This passion merged with a desire to start her own business, and Krogh Design was born in 2013 after years in the making. Hanne Tysnes Holm soon joined, and together they have grown the business massively over the past three years. Having started out on the Norwegian market, they now sell to all over Scandinavia, Germany, the UK and beyond. “Our web shop is very popular, while we also have a showroom just outside Oslo,” Krogh elaborates.

While the majority of their offering consists of furniture for homes and cabins, they also cater to restaurants, hotels, property developers and a few spa companies with their wellness products. “What all customers have in common is that they are looking for something unique that sets their home or premises apart, and the price tag is not necessarily that important,” Krogh ends.

For inspiration and to browse the web shop, please visit: krogh-design.no

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Made in Norway

Independently combining love for nature with creative design Having dabbled with photography and design her entire life, Anya S Kolbjørnsen decided to start her own company in 2015, aiming to make a living from her life-long affection for design and creativity.

for weddings,” says the artist, adding: “Kviitkrull has given me the opportunity to merge everything I love and spice up my work using all the ingredients I can.”

By Didrik Ottesen | Photos: Kviitkrull

Combining versatility, imagination and a love of nature, Kolbjørnsen founded Kviitkrull after dabbling in photography as a hobby, before eventually making a career out of it. “The company is basically being developed as I go along. I have never run a business before, so I am constantly learning and adapting. I guess the company itself is based on my versatility as I do styling, photography and upholstery,” Kolbjørnsen says. “Photography is what I want to do, primarily, but it’s a lot of fun to spice things up with design and prints.”

Having been taught painting from her grandfather, art is already in Kolbjørnsen’s blood. As a qualified photographer, she is now able to combine her fascination for nature with exploring her way through life as a professional artist. “Nature has always been very important to both me and my family, and I try to implement elements of nature in my work. Like this summer, for instance, I’m travelling to the north of Norway to take photos and will also be available for wedding photography. The scenery there is simply spectacular, and perfect

And that very creative spark is one of the aspects separating Kviitkrull from the herd: the versatility and creativity to make sure that Kolbjørnsen’s work is constantly evolving, as the artist herself continues to develop her business step by step. For more information, please visit: www.kviitkrull.no

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 47

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Made in Norway

Bohemian dreams “What could possibly be better than getting the chance to combine my interests of design, trade and travelling?” says Anna Wagner Norseng, owner and creative director of Anouska Colourful Living. By Vilde Holta Røssland | Photos: Tatjana Mrkaljevic

Anouska Colourful Living, established in 2000, started out with imports of placemats and baskets made out of raffia from Madagascar. Today, the company sells a large collection of vintage furniture, clothing and accessories, mainly from Indonesia and India. Love Shack, established by Norseng, is one of the brands sold at Anouska Colourful Living. The collection is contemporary yet bohemian. The brand targets women who want to dress in an individual way. “We want the clothes to be comfortable yet fashionable. Monitoring trends is a must, but most important is making clothes that fit women of all ages and shapes. A dress from Love Shack works just as well in the winter as in the summer. Dress it up for a night out with 48 | Issue 87 | April 2016

cute sandals in the summer or combine it with wool and boots as the weather gets colder,” Norseng says, adding that she often bases her designs on things she would want to wear herself. “I love textiles and the creative process behind each piece of clothing,” Norseng says. To describe the process, she repeatedly uses the term ‘slow fashion’. “Working a lot by hand is very time consuming; the process can’t be done any quicker,” she explains. Most of the prints are done by hand using block printing. Wooden blocks are carved with the desired pattern, one block per colour and design, and then stamped onto the fabric creating the various layers of a print. “The process takes a few months from block to finished product, and that is what we

mean by the term ‘slow fashion’,” the designer says. “It takes time to create something unique. Talented craftsmen pass on their skills from generation to generation and insure that a thousand-year-old tradition will bring joy to future generations.” Norseng travels to India two to three times a year, making sure that things go smoothly at the factories where the clothes are manufactured. She is involved in the entire process, and it is important for her that the working conditions are sound. “I believe in loyalty and longterm relationships, and I know that my designs are in good hands when I send them off,” she says. As for the future, she sees nothing but opportunities. “Today, we sell our clothes in stores throughout Norway. It would be exciting to reach out to more people and work with retailers all over Europe.” For more information, please visit: www.anouska.no

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The innovative, ergonomic RollerMouse sits in front of a keyboard and allows users to stay in the optimal work zone with relaxed hands and a neutral wrist posture.

Investing in your staff’s health at work pays off With a Scandinavian approach to design and workplace welfare, Contour Design’s revolutionary ergonomic products have become hugely popular across Europe and the United States. But when it comes to investing in ergonomics and wellbeing at work, employers around the world still have a great deal to learn from Scandinavia.

course not everyone gets these injuries. But if you spend more than four hours by a computer a day, you will at some point get problems with either your arm or your neck.”

By Sanne Wass | Photos: Contour Design

As the computer has become a central part of many people’s everyday life, so have problems with repetitive strain injuries, mouse arm and other computer usage-related pain. “When I visit companies, they tell me it’s becoming a real problem – that their employees go to doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors, and take sick leave for several weeks, because of repetitive strain injuries,” explains Kenneth Schach, Contour Design’s business unit manager for Europe. “Of 50 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Contour Design’s mission is to address these problems by creating evolutionary design that allows people to work safely at their computers. With headquarters in the United States and Denmark, the business is a global leader in the development, research and design of ergonomic computer input devices, including the innovative RollerMouse. “The story of the RollerMouse goes back to the year of 2001 when the company’s founder, Steven Wang, got a bad pain in his shoulder, neck and arm after prolonged work

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Danish Design

with a conventional computer mouse. He thought that it must be possible to create a mouse that makes people relax in a natural way,” Schach explains. And so Wang developed a new computer input design which, in contrast to a normal mouse, is placed directly in front of your keyboard. This central position makes your hands, arms, shoulders and neck relax, and thus it eliminates tension and prevents and relieves repetitive strain injury. “Our customers love the RollerMouse. What they tell us is that pain simply goes away after they start using it,” Schach says. “We have just had an experiment with an employee at a big Danish company who had major problems with both neck and shoulders. We installed our RollerMouse by her computer, and after 14 days her pain had disappeared. Of course, we are not Messiah, but we can definitely prevent many injuries.” And experts agree: in a 2013 study, researchers at Harvard University found that a RollerMouse “significantly improved the posture of the hand wrist, and shoulder compared to a conventional mouse” and “had the greatest effect in reducing muscle effort in the forearm.” Over the years, the RollerMouse has won numerous awards and tests.

ergonomics at the workplace,” Schach says. “The greatest ergonomic revolution in the US and European countries right now is the electric height adjustable desk. In Scandinavia, they’ve had those tables for ten to 12 years. It shows something about the evolution in ergonomics. The Nordic countries are way ahead when it comes to design, but also because employers invest more in their employees’ wellbeing at work.” While the market for ergonomic products is huge in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, Contour Design is increasingly seeing an interest from the rest of Europe and the US too, Schach explains. “In other countries they typically invest in a RollerMouse once the employee has pain in her shoulder or arm, or needs to see a doctor or physiotherapist, whereas Scandinavian employers increasingly buy ergonomic products to prevent an em-

ployee getting injured. That’s the clear difference at the moment,” he says. According to Schach, there are plenty of employers around the world that can learn from Scandinavia, primarily when it comes to investing more in the health and wellbeing of employees before problems turn serious. “It’s all about prevention,” he says. “Yes, the RollerMouse is more expensive than a normal mouse. But just imagine what a single sick day for your employee, who may need a trip to a physiotherapist, would cost in comparison to the investment in a RollerMouse. That’s what we can learn from Scandinavia: investing in the wellbeing of your staff pays off, and it gives you happy employees.” For more information, please visit: www.contour-design.com

Investing in happy staff Since 2001, Contour Design has launched new and improved versions of the RollerMouse concept and experienced a boom in demand. Although the products are developed and designed in the US, their approach aligns with those found in Scandinavian countries where worker health and safety is central in most business cultures. “The Nordic countries are somewhat more privileged and advanced when it comes to office equipment and

Kenneth Schach, Contour Design’s business unit manager for Europe.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 51

Denmark’s newest light Minimalistic, Nordic and yet distinctly its own, Denmark’s newest lighting brand Watt a Lamp was born out of a fascination with light expressed through the designs of ten talented Danish designers. Focusing on design and quality, Watt a Lamp has succeeded in creating a range of lamps that, though markedly different, are all united by a love for quirky details and groundbreaking technology. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Watt a Lamp

The idea for Watt a Lamp had been brewing for some time when, in September last year, Michael Waltersdorff, who has 20 years’ experience within the lighting industry, launched his new edgy lighting brand. What Waltersdorff wanted to create was a design that presented equal parts of technical enthusiasm, great design and an unpretentious approach to durable high-quality lighting solutions. “My main ambition was to create a new brand with a distinct Danish expression. The idea had been with me for a long time and when we launched 52 | Issue 87 | April 2016

the collection at the Maison & Objet fair in Paris in September last year, it was the result of a lot of work: finding the right designers, discussing prototypes and deciding on the expression we wanted our designs to represent. Also, as we’ve experimented a lot with new forms and shapes, it has involved a lot of labour to decide what is practically and technically possible,” says Waltersdorff. “We wanted to create lamps that keep shining bright for many years to come. Lamps driven by care, diligence and a bright idea. Lamps with an eye for quirky

details, the sensuous dimension and groundbreaking technology.” Watt a Lamp has been received with great enthusiasm, with industry press impressed with both the striking designs and their playful approach to lighting. Currently, the brand is making its way to some of Europe’s leading design warehouses.

Hand-picked design team To help him create his new lighting brand, Waltersdorff enlisted the help of the two established Danish designers Rikke Hagen and Andreas Lund. Focusing on a playful approach to design and strong individual expressions, the two designers hand-picked a team of Danish designers with a wide range of backgrounds, experience and working methods. Common for them all is a willingness to think in a

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Danish Design

way that combines new technical possibilities, quirky design details and pragmatic solutions.

Designed by Amanda Betz, Stretch began as a paper construction and turned into a project aimed at pushing the potential of veneer.

“We’ve worked closely with our designers; we wanted to be sure to create something new and innovative but, at the same time, we did not want it to be too technical. We wanted our own expression, lamps that would have a broad appeal but simultaneously something which would be sure to make people go, ‘wow, what a lamp!’” explains Waltersdorff and adds: “Andreas, Rikke and I take part in the design process from the very beginning, from the first sketch. That’s not how most brands normally work. Typically, the designers get to present the finished expression, and it demands a lot of flexibility from our designers to work the way we do. But, of course, we also ensure that the individual styles of the designers are preserved; it’s more about working out the technical details in the best possible way - finding out what’s possible and what’s not.”

The gift from Watt Watt a Lamp, a catchy pun on the name of Scottish engineer James Watt, captures the playful spirit expressed in the brand’s diverse collection of lamps. The designs span everything from elegant, paper-like wooden veneer shades to metal-based forms inspired by early 20th century industrial designs. Despite their differences, the shared values inherent in the designs – playfulness, quality and a strong aesthetic expression – make the collection a coherent whole that aims high and covers a broad spectrum. “Of course, what we want is a lamp that provides a good light. But we also want a distinct visual expression, and the collaboration we have had with our designers has been really successful in that respect. Actually, we’ve been so happy about it that we’ve already started working on our second collection. And we’ve brought in new designers – we want to be sure that the brand keeps evolving and creating new and exciting designs,” Waltersdorff rounds off.

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

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 53

Seaweed contains a wealth of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that are perfect for sun protection and skin rejuvenation.

Relaxed luxury Danish designer and entrepreneur Ilse Jacobsen, the woman behind the brand ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK, is mainly known for her iconic rain boots. An entrepreneur in all aspects of her work, she has grown her business to encompass a wide variety of lifestyle brands, including a spa, flower shops, clothes, shoes and her own range of spa and beauty products.

2013 her lifelong dream of opening a spa came true under the banner of KURBADET by ILSE JACOBSEN. Jacobsen launched her own line of spa and beauty products at the same time, with the philosophy of bringing the spa experience home.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK

Although the company has gained global success, it remains firmly rooted in the idyllic beachside town of Hornbæk where it all began and from where Jacobsen gets her inspiration. Jacobsen’s regular walks on Hornbæk beach were also the inspiration behind her newly launched sun care range, ILSE SUN, the newest range in her spa and beauty line. The spirited entrepreneur, businesswoman and designer has the fundamental standpoint that nothing is impossible. Jacobsen’s approach to challenges, an inherent drive to identify new opportunities and the bearing of a new idea every day, have resulted in her lifestyle compa54 | Issue 87 | April 2016

ny, ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK, growing steadily in both size and popularity throughout the past 23 years – and it continues to do so today. Jacobsen started her career in shoe design in 1993. In 2000 she launched her famous handmade rain boots with the lace-up front, which remain one of the cornerstones of the company today. Throughout the years, ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK has expanded its collections to include rainwear, a clothing range and a variety of shoes and accessories. As if that was not enough, Jacobsen also owns four flower shops under the BLOMSTEN by ILSE JACOBSEN brand, and in August

“The ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBAEK lifestyle universe incorporates rainwear, sophisticated womenswear as well as refined footwear and accessories. Together with the flower shops, the luxurious spa and the award-winning line of spa and beauty products – and now my new sun care range – my different brands complement each other and form a beautiful lifestyle universe, capturing the essence of Hornbæk that I love,” she says.

Fun in the ILSE SUN Jacobsen still loves to take long walks on Hornbæk’s beaches with her four-legged companion, Konrad; it is her way to relax, reboot and be inspired. She often absentmindedly searches for pieces of amber

Scan Magazine | Big Nordic Design Special | Danish Design

amongst the tangles of seaweed along the coast and, one day, she began to wonder about this often overlooked plant. It has been a highly valued and nutritious component of the Asian kitchen for centuries. “Something which is so nutritious and natural that we benefit from eating it must have other advantages as well,” Jacobsen pondered. “I began to read up on seaweed and realised that this was a resource with huge potential.” When Jacobsen learnt more about the potential and benefits of seaweed, she teamed up with one of Denmark’s most well-known creators of sun products in order to find the best possible formula for the ILSE SUN range, one of the world’s first sun ranges based on seaweed. The result became a series of body lotions, face creams and body oils with seaweed extracts and aloe vera as their primary ingredients. Seaweed contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help slow down the ageing of the skin and

protect against environmental pollutants and sun damage. Extracts from two types of seaweed are used in the ILSE SUN series, both native of the fresh, clean Scandinavian seas and growing in the waters outside of Hornbæk. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals and possess softening and nutritional properties that are especially beneficial to dry and sensitive skin. The antioxidants and proteins found naturally in these types of seaweed help the skin retain its youthfulness and combat the ageing effects of everyday stresses on the skin as well as excessive sun exposure. The all-round effects make the series excellent for everyday protection as well as for specific protection from the sun. The products in the series are fast drying, nonsticky and water repellent, ensuring that the lotions stay on in the water. The range consists of a face cream, body lotion and oil spray, which all come in factors 15 and 30, as well as a thick and cooling after

sun lotion which includes aloe vera and seaweed to protect and repair the natural balance for sun-damaged skin.

Free from harmful ingredients The ILSE SUN range is free from parabens, microplastics and MI (methylisothiazolinone), a common preservative in cosmetics which may cause allergies. None of the 26 fragrance substances listed on the EU’s allergen list can be found in ILSE’s products, and all the newest EU standards for UVA and UVB protection are upheld in the SUN series. “We have to take care of our skin throughout our life and protect it against nature’s damaging influences,” says Jacobsen. “And what’s more fitting than doing so with the help of nature itself? Using the ocean and its resources as inspiration is a part of my lifestyle and closely tied up with who I am.” For more information, please visit: www.ilsejacobsen.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 55

Pilou AsbĂŚk as spin doctor Kasper Juul in Borgen. Photo: DR Presse

In Krigen (A War). Photo: Dansk Film Institut

Photo: DR Presse

Scan Magazine | Cover feature | Pilou Asbaek

Pilou Asbæk:

Denmark’s new anti-hero To say that it has been a busy couple of years for Pilou Asbæk does not quite sum it up. With roles in major Hollywood productions such as Game of Thrones, Ben-Hur and Ghost in the Shell, the Danish actor, who made his name in hit series Borgen, is now working with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Still, when Scan Magazine caught up with Asbæk in New Zealand, he was enjoying the anonymity away from home and looking forward to more work with Danish directors and fast-forwarding past his own appearances in Game of Thrones. By Signe Benn Hansen

It is early morning in London but late evening in New Zealand, where Pilou Asbæk is currently filming his latest project, Ghost in the Shell, a Hollywood adaption of a Japanese manga film starring Scarlett Johansson. Asbæk has just discovered that his car is damaged, his three-year-old daughter is crying and the phone line keeps dropping out, but the actor’s positive energy is undiminished. “This is definitely one of the things that keeps you down to earth,” says the 33-year-old earnestly as he tries to comfort his daughter Agnes who is doubtlessly voicing some sort of dissatisfaction. In the background his wife, scriptwriter Anna Bro, tries to help out by telling Agnes that her dad will be ready to tuck her in in just a few minutes. As Ghost in the Shell is Asbæk’s third major Hollywood production filmed abroad within the last year, bringing his family with him to work has become a necessity if he is to see them at all. The two other projects, Ben-Hur and Game of Thrones, have brought him to the cream of the crop of the world’s biggest stars. It is hard to believe that it has been just six years since Asbæk first entered the consciousness of the Danish public as the hard-hitting spin doctor Kasper

Juul in the acclaimed Danish TV series Borgen. But while the rapid ascent of this star is enough to take most people’s breath away, Asbæk is staying anchored through his work. “Everybody has a tendency to think that being an actor is this exclusive club where life is just wonderful – you’re drinking rosé and shooting films and everything is just easy and fun. But that could not be further from the truth. For me acting is hard work, it’s about collaboration, about being a team player,” he says, adding: “I think that if I treat people nicely and with respect, they will want to keep working with me; that’s how I approach my work. I’ve been very lucky, very blessed to be working with some incredible writers, producers, actors and directors, but of course you never know what will happen next. That’s the reason I’m enjoying filming Ghost in the Shell right now as if it is my last job – because it makes it necessary for me to be there.”

The flaws that make us human A historic villain, a madly cunning pirate and a soldier accused of war crimes – there is no doubt that Asbæk enjoys portraying conflicted characters. But the Copenhagener is not the kind of actor who sees his acting as a tool to explore or work through his own issues. Having

grown up in an affluent part of central Copenhagen, Asbæk, whose parents owned a gallery, had what he describes as a “pretty easy childhood”. What he did bring with him was a deeply rooted respect for nuanced artistic expressions, learnt from the close association with his parents’ many creative friends. “A character with flaws is so much more interesting than the protagonist, the hero. Flaws are what we identify with. When I watch a super hero movie, I don’t identify with the characters, I get entertained by them, but when I watch a social realism drama or drama in general, it is the flaws that I connect with, the lying, the cheating – all the things that make us human.”

Photo: Robin Skjoldborg.

Photo: DR Presse

In the Oscar-nominated Krigen (A War), Pilou Asbæk explores the moral conflicts faced by soldiers in battle as well as the struggle they face when returning home. Photo: Dansk Film Institut

In Krigen (A War), Asbæk’s third and most recent collaboration with acclaimed Danish director and screenwriter Tobias Lindholm (also one of the writers of Borgen), the actor played alongside a number of real-life war veterans to portray the horrors, stress and moral dilemmas soldiers face in battle situations and when returning home. The film was nominated for an Oscar in the category Best Foreign Language film and, though losing out to Son of Saul, Asbæk is proud to have done justice to a difficult subject. “I think the film was the peak of mine and Tobias Lindholm’s current collaboration. I hope and wish that we will make many more films together and collaborate for the rest of our lives, because I love working with him. He is incredible,” the actor enthuses. “The Oscar nomination is like a pat on the back, the academy saying ‘we enjoyed your film and rate it among the top five films this year’. So I feel blessed and amazing about that, but also I’m just so happy on behalf of all the soldiers who we made this film with: happy that they can see that we did the best we could and actually achieved something that they can be proud of, because those guys were the ones who really put themselves on the line.”

Game of Thrones

From Krigen (A War). Photo: Dansk Film Institut

58 | Issue 87 | April 2016

When, this spring, the much-awaited sixth season of HBO’s iconic Game of Thrones premieres, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau will no longer be the series’ only Danish star. Playing Euron Greyjoy, a character described as wildly unpredictable and cruel, Asbæk will make his debut in what is arguably the world’s most-hyped TV series. Having been a fan of the series for many years, Asbæk admits that entering and becoming part of its magic and unpredictable world was a challenge. “It’s always weird being a part of something you’ve been a fan of for so many years, and when using the word ‘weird’ it is for a lack of a better word because it is also fantastic and devastating at the same time,” says Asbæk. “I’ve always enjoyed the series’ imaginary world, the drama and unpredictability, and then you become part of it and it becomes very real. So, yes, I’m still going to watch it but I’m not going to watch the scenes that I’m part of.”

Pilou Asbæk first entered the consciousness of the Danish public as the hard-hitting spin doctor Kasper Juul in the political drama series Borgen in 2010. Photo: DR Presse

Despite having spent the last few years with some of the world’s biggest stars – Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell, Morgan Freeman in Ben-Hur and, of course, Denmark’s own super star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in Game of Thrones – Asbæk is not getting carried away with his own global stardom. “Acting is a job like every other job. Of course, if you’re lucky, it gives you a lot of exposure, or actually it’s luck and bad luck at the same time because too much exposure might not be good for you, your ego and your family – it’s a balance that you have to try to strike,” he says. And, as he gets ready to tuck in his daughter, who has now gone to sleep on the sofa next to him, he rounds off: “Even though it’s my 20th or 25th film, I still go to the director and say, ‘we are going to make the best film ever’. People might feel it’s a bit childish or naïve, but it is my motivation every single time.”

With Sidse Babett Knudsen in Borgen. Photo: DR Presse

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 59

Sky-high dreams, down-to-earth people When chefs Poul Bøje Nielsen and Henrik Nielsen set up their first restaurant in 2000, they had a clear idea of what they wanted: excellent, locally sourced ingredients alongside a friendly and approachable service. 16 years later, these two basic ideas still make up the essence of their restaurant – though at this stage it has expanded beyond recognition and gone on to produce several other fantastic offshoots. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Ricky Molloy

With its address right by the water in the harbour of Holbæk, Restaurant SuRi is ideally located for sourcing both maritime and farm produce. The town lies on the coast of Isefjorden, Denmark’s biggest fjord, in the North Zealand region, known throughout the country for its excellent agricultural conditions. Both chefs grew up in the area and it became a goal for them to showcase the best of their home region early on in their careers. Today, almost all their ingredients are sourced from local farmers and fishermen, from the wine to the grain they serve. “We want to show off these excellent meats, fish and vegetables by letting them come through 60 | Issue 87 | April 2016

on the plate as strongly as possible,” Henrik explains. “Ideally, we want just a few strong, perfectly matched ingredients to make up one dish, and then we’ll serve up several smaller plates instead.”

Restaurant SuRi Though they preceded the local produce trend of the late noughties, the chefs’ vision proved hugely popular from the get-go. By 2004, Poul and Henrik had outgrown the old restaurant. They spent half a year converting the old fishing halls in Holbæk’s harbour into the modern, warm and inviting Restaurant SuRi. As well as the restaurant itself, SuRi runs a fishmonger and delicatessen where SuRi’s chefs bask in the glory of a real

smoke oven, allowing them to produce their own traditional smoked mackerel and herring. As if that was not enough, Poul also runs the nearby Elmely Kro, a gastro pub with the same commitment to local ingredients as SuRi. For the past three years, SuRi and Elmely have taken turns to receive Denmark’s Local Cooking award, with SuRi always in the top three. SuRi was also listed in the White Guide’s 2015 survey of Denmark’s best restaurants, was a finalist in the sea food category

Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature l | Restaurant SuRi

of The Danish Guide to Eating Out (Den danske Spiseguide) and given two out of three possible stars. SuRi also offers take-away meals as a wholesome, delicious alternative to traditional fast food and has people pop by from all over Zealand. Their current seasonal take-away buffet includes pheasant from nearby manor houses as well as local pork dishes. In addition to the take-away branch, the restaurant caters to events both at and outside SuRi, and the chefs love working with clients to find exactly the right menu for their event. “The best bit of SuRi remains our team,” Henrik adds. “Whether you’re coming to dine with us or you’re at an event, we know that we can trust our capable, friendly and professional chefs and waiters to make everything run smoothly. We wouldn’t be able to continue to evolve and expand without their help.”

Community aspirations Trust and hard work lie at the heart of SuRi’s two newest projects too. “We’re very excited to be part of the renovation of what’ll be known as Havneby, an area of Holbæk harbour which will have holiday houses, a food market and lots of spaces for the community.” The redevelopment will add an exciting modern component to the beautiful medieval town. “We’re taking on the old machine hall, which we’ll be converting into a laidback eatery and folk hall,” Henrik says. “We really want it to be a meeting point for the community, a place where we can educate people about the pleasures of the local produce through themed events

Henrik and Poul have a close relationship with the local Old Farm, where all their vegetables are now grown.

such as asparagus week and lumpfish season.” While local apprentices will eventually be given responsibility for the smooth running of the hall, including music events, professional conferences and waiting tables, SuRi’s chefs will be in charge of the state-of-theart professional kitchen, which will be perfect for cooking courses and teambuilding classes. “Oh, we’ve also become associated with the Holbæk theatre and will be running the café starting in April,” Henrik adds. “Theatre goers can come to the restaurant for their pre-show dinner and a bit of a preview of the play.” Just an hour from Copenhagen and easily reachable from Funen by bridge and Århus by ferry, the theatre is certainly worth a visit.

own kitchen. There is no doubt that Henrik and Poul love what they do: Henrik overflows with excitement when he talks about their projects, particularly about the recent acquisition of a traditional Italian stone oven. “Why on earth would I want time off?” Henrik Nielsen asks. “There are so many exciting things for us to do!” And no one can argue with that. For more information, please visit: www.suri.dk

For those who cannot make it to dinner, SuRi has launched its own recipe books to help inspire innovation in your

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 61

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Photo: Helena Wahlman, imagebank.sweden.se

Photo: Johan Willner, imagebank.sweden.se

Photo: Lena Granefelt, imagebank.sweden.se

A family dream land There are a great many things to see, do and experience on your family holiday in Sweden. You may already know where you want to take your family this summer, but do you know all the unique experiences available along the way to your destination? Take a detour, make it a road trip, and experience Sweden’s full potential along the way!

simpler. We have gathered all the options for family activities and attractions and present them through interactive maps and lists categorised by themes and areas.

By Jenny Forsberg, founder of Barnsemester

Select a country, region or city and you will be able to view all of the activities in that area. Every attraction listed has its own web page where you can read more about it, grade it and comment on it, before reading what other families have to say.

Sweden’s nature is breathtaking, the beaches and open-air cafés abound and all the family parks are open during the summer. Visit one of Sweden’s many child-friendly camping sites, themed amusement parks, playgrounds and other fun activities designed to entertain your whole family. There are plenty of hidden gems too. Why not try an eagle safari, canoeing or high 62 | Issue 87 | April 2016

rope courses, or riding a railroad trolley, a soap box car or an Icelandic horse? If you need a break from all the outdoor activities, there are also many exciting science centres, museums and aquariums – and indoor play centres! Barnsemester.se is the largest tourist guide for families in Sweden, and our goal is to make the planning of family vacations and excursions easier and

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

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden Photo: Simon Paulin, imagebank.sweden.se

FACTS: Familjeliv.se was set up in 2003 by parents as a meeting place on the web and today reaches more than one million unique visitors each week on the web and through mobile phones. In one month, Familjeliv reaches more than half of all mothers in Sweden with children aged zero to six (Orvesto, 2012). Since February 2013, Familjeliv also exists in Norway through the site Familieprat.no. Familieprat is Norway’s fastest-growing women’s and family site. Familjeliv Media has also launched three apps in two different languages in 2013: Gravidguiden and Babyguiden. Familjeliv Media, which is part of Stampen Media Partner, runs the sites Familjeliv.se, mobil.familjeliv.se, Familieprat.no, Familie.pl, Bröllopstorget, Gobaby.se and odla.nu.

Photo: Kristin Lidell, imagebank.sweden.se

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

Parents: you are not alone “Without my kids, the house would be clean and my wallet full, but my heart would be empty.” When we have children, our lives change: we step right into the children’s world and they step into ours. Nothing will ever be the same again – and how lucky that is! Anyone with children in their life knows that they sweep in like a whirlwind of love and chaos. Days get a different rhythm, priorities change, and new discoveries are made. And as the children grow, from that very first smile, the very first step, the first trip on the bike and the first night away from mum and dad, we adults grow. But it is not without growing pains. Suddenly you stand there, bewildered and uncertain, wondering what to do. How do other parents get their children to sleep at night? Are all families this stressed in the mornings? And what is that rash that has suddenly appeared? Today, luckily, you no longer need to stand alone with your concerns.

For many parents, social media and the internet are like an extended arm and much-needed support. The web is where we go for quick answers and to find out what others have done. And we share both the good moments and the notso-good. This interaction means an awful lot to many people, as we at Familjeliv.se have become aware. For the last ten years and more, Familjeliv.se has been – and still is – Sweden’s largest meeting place for parents and those expecting, and no issue is too large, too small or too embarrassing to be aired here. The heart of the site is the forum, where visitors can find others in the same situation as themselves or ask one of the site’s experts a

question. Nothing is deemed insignificant or silly – there is always someone who has experienced the same thing. Thousands of posts are shared on the Familjeliv forum every day. Many visitors find the site when they have just had a positive pregnancy test and find other expectant couples who are due around the same time, sometimes even in the same town. They stay in touch all the way to the big day, exchanging thoughts and experiences on our forum and, as their eagerly awaited baby arrives, it continues. Some become friends for life and stay in touch for many years. One mother wrote to another: “Enjoy the time the baby wants to be in your arms all the time and sleep on top of you, because it doesn’t last long. Since I had my son, I feel like the happiest person in the world – no one can make me laugh the way he does!” Issue 87 | April 2016 | 63

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden

‘It’s the simplicity that’s genius’ Combining business savvy and financial acumen with a solid understanding of branding and art direction, the Westman couple created a poster that brings to life the memory of a newborn, illustrated in scale 1:1 for your wall. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Schmeck Studios

It was 2014 when Evelina Westman came home from her job as a financial consultant, tired of the rat race, and said to her husband: “I’m sick of this, let’s come up with something so that I can just leave.” Gustav Westman, who worked for one of the larger advertising agencies in Stockholm at the time, had spent years trying to think of clever product concepts. The idea of illustrated posters depicting a child’s actual birth size in scale 1:1 resurfaced, and Evelina started drawing. “Evelina’s mother was doing consultancy for a printing workshop and we asked if they’d help with making our prints,” 64 | Issue 87 | April 2016

says Gustav. “They were laughing at this cute little couple with their poster, but offered to help. Six months later, they were standing there doing nothing but printing Birth Posters.”

A creative studio is born Sending out free posters to Sweden’s biggest mummy bloggers, the couple reached out to thousands of potential customers and word spread quickly. Just a few months later, The Birth Poster was selling more than 1,500 unique copies per month, becoming a staple design item on the walls of style-conscious parents. Soon enough, the business was do-

ing well enough to demand the full-time attention of its founders – and covering the costs along the way. “We’ve been lucky that way,” says Gustav. “It was never a case of having to take big risks.” Upon leaving their jobs, the couple set up a studio as a home for the poster production. Schmeck Studios now also produces The Note Poster: illustrated posters with the sheet music and lyrics of children’s favourite lullabies. The studio recently took on its first employee on a part-time basis, but other than that it is very much a family affair. “We were a bit scared when we first made the jump to working so closely together,” says Evelina, “but it was all taking off and we didn’t really have a choice! In the end, it worked out really well. Working with your partner, your best friend, is a bit of a dream scenario.”

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden

The world of Schmeck is small and idyllic, with the studio being a mere five-minute stroll from the founders’ home. “We stroll down in the mornings, work, stroll home,” says Gustav, admitting that the work-life balance is something they are still working on perfecting. “We run six Instagram accounts and four Facebook profiles, so the minute the phone goes off we’re straight on it – but that’s what it’s like to run a business.”

It’s got a preview function as well, so you can create your poster directly on the site and see exactly what it’ll look like,” explains Evelina. “This clean, Scandinavian philosophy is at the heart of what we do. We’re a kids’ brand, but we’re not childish. We’re not big fans of pink and baby blue and all the cutesy stuff people put in the nurseries – and the result is that The Birth Poster is something people proudly adorn their living room walls with.”

A baby product for your living room

The Schmeck team is now busy developing a children’s clothing collection, again embracing minimalism. Other than that, the main focus is on introducing The Birth Poster to new markets globally. “It’s nice, our little poster is sent from Stockholm all the way to Australia, and as we’re getting orders from the other side of the world there’s always something waiting for us when we wake up in the morning,” says Gustav.

The clean, minimalistic look of The Birth Poster has been a hit not just in Sweden, with sales in places including Australia and Holland gaining pace. Everything from the website to the marketing strategy has been deeply considered. Furthermore, having a website that automatically creates print-ready files that are sent off to the printers without the need for human intervention means that the people behind the brand can focus on development and spreading the word. “We’re good at keeping it simple and shedding unnecessary layers,” says Gustav. “There’s a tendency for businesses to overcomplicate things, so this has been key for us: it’s the simplicity that’s genius.” Likewise, the website takes minimalism to the extreme, presenting the posters with no colours and no frills. “It’s simple, but it’s been very carefully worked out.

The couple’s first baby is something as impressive as a creative start-up that is both financially solid and well managed. Their second, due any day now, may be less so – but you can be certain that it will get its very own Birth Poster. For more information, please visit: www.thebirthposter.com and www.schmeck.se

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 65

Cool designs for sweet minis The Scandinavian market for children’s clothing is changing. The new kid on the block is SweetMini, offering sleek designs with attitude and bold quotes such as ‘Rock this day’, ‘I feel like Batman’, and ‘The coolest kid in town’. By Malin Norman | Photos: Chelsea White

Stockholm-based sisters Kristin Viitanen and Lena Simlund set up SweetMini a few years ago, born from an urge to provide designs with a difference. “A lot of clothes available in the larger chains look pretty much the same,” says Viitanen. “We wanted something different: simple designs with sleeker patterns and more neutral colours. And you know, black is not only for boys!” The sisters create their own designs and also import their favourite products from abroad for their online portal. The fast-growing company receives orders from customers in Sweden and countries as far away as Australia and Saudi Arabia. SweetMini also uses Instagram to find new designers and collaborators, and of course to update its keen followers. 66 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Onesies with attitude The range of clothes for babies and kids up to size 116 includes onesies, tops, trousers, dresses, skirts, socks and tights, as well as accessories such as hats, bandanas and head bands. “The onesies are super popular!” says Viitanen. Take for example the cool black-and-white striped Little Bandit from Lucky no 7, or the irresistible Free Hugs from Snuglo. SweetMini also caters for kids’ rooms with lightboxes and cute mini lamps shaped as clouds, ice cream cones and apples; clever storage in the form of mini suitcases and boxes in different sizes; cushions, flasks and lunch boxes, creative posters, prints and pennants, and all kinds of toys for the little ones. As with

Photo: SweetMini

the clothes, the theme is unmistakably Scandinavian with sleek lines and mostly neutral colours. Among the brands currently available at SweetMini are A Little Lovely Company, Baby Moo’s, Lucky no 7 and Snuglo. Simlund explains how they regularly bring in new brands: “We prefer the smaller brands, which are completely new to the Scandinavian market. Some of our designers still work from home and their products are pretty much made to order.” This year, SweetMini will further extend their range with new products, including larger sizes for older kids. The sisters are also working on their own collection to be launched later in the year. For more information, please visit: www.sweetmini.se or follow @sweetmini.se on Instagram.

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden

Sound morals, fun exploration and ‘70s nostalgia Whether you know him as the original Alfons Åberg or as Alfie Atkins, as he is called in English, or Willi Wiberg, as opted for in Germany, you will most definitely feel right at home when stepping into his living room at Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus (Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre) in Gothenburg. The same goes for the playful atmosphere – and of course the famous helicopter. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus

“You can stroll around Alfons’ neighbourhood with a miniature town square and a mini hotdog stand, sit down to read one of the many popular Alfons Åberg books or enjoy an organic bun or some pancakes in Mållgan’s (Malcolm’s) café,” says CEO Anna Forsgren. “But most importantly, the 64,000 visitors who come here every year come to play, learn and explore. We’ve got two daily theatre shows in addition to a whole range of other activities, including themed workshops on everything from chemistry to music and dance.” Author Gunilla Bergström wrote the first ever Alfons Åberg book, Godnatt Alfons Åberg (Good Night, Alfie Atkins), in 1972 but the Alfons books are still among the

most borrowed books in Swedish libraries. “Alfons is a character with such great values, and the books serve as a way into a lot of important conversations,” Forsgren says. “Everyone can relate to the questions, big and small, that Alfons is trying to navigate.” In line with the sound moral of the books, Alfons Åbergs Kulturhus has made inclusivity an integral part of its mission. Over-subscribed activities are repeated to make sure that everyone can take part, and sign language is offered during the shows. Moreover, the non-profit foundation behind the centre is a keen participant in other happenings throughout the city, especially those relating to children’s rights. Furthermore, in collabora-

tion with the publisher and some local asylum houses, it is donating boxes of Alfons Åberg books translated into Arabic as a welcome gift to newcomers. Whether you come to give the gigantic Alfons doll a hug, cosy up in the reading corner for the afternoon, enjoy one of the 1,400 shows and activities offered annually, take in the authentic 1970s décor or admire the listed building from 1876, or soak up the sun on the city centre terrace in the summer, a wholesome Alfons Åberg experience is guaranteed. However, questions about where Alfons’ mother is may remain unanswered. “Bergström was of course somewhat of a pioneer in that way, writing about a boy who lived with his father in the early ‘70s,” ponders Forsgren. “But let’s leave the rest for the imagination; I know the kids can think of many interesting answers to that.”

For more information, please visit: alfonskulturhus.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 67

Welcome to paradise Close your eyes and imagine paradise. Does it feature tropical islands, waterslides and pirates? Or a sauna, infinity pool and spa treatments? Either way, you have come to the right place at Paradiset in Örnsköldsvik. By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Paradiset

Look no further than Paradiset, a combined spa and water park, when it comes to family fun in northern Sweden this summer. The destination offers something for adventure-seeking kids with energy to burn off as well as adults looking to unwind and relax. David Berglund, CEO at Paradiset, describes the experience as “an exciting getaway from everyday life”. The complex has around 220,000 visitors per year and the location, 530 kilometres north of Stockholm, is perfect for those wishing to explore the High Coast (Höga Kusten) World Heritage Site and natural treasures such as Skuleskogen National Park and the island of Ulvön.

68 | Issue 87 | April 2016

This summer, kids can look forward to a new interactive treasure hunt and a more complete pirate’s theme than before. “After all, we are a paradise set in the South Sea Islands, so we need a proper pirate’s island,” says Berglund. “This summer we’ll decorate our pool area around a pirate’s theme and during the summer break we’ll also bring in actors to interact and play with the children. Pirates, parrots, cannons and maybe even crocodiles are to be expected.” The pool adventure park is also the home of Sweden’s longest waterslide – Magic Eye – measuring a winding 180 metres, plus plenty of other water attractions for kids. And while the children enjoy

the fun, parents can take turns enjoying the spa. “The sauna rituals are our most popular spa activity,” says Berglund and explains that the so called ‘aufguss’ ritual is led by a host who will pour essential oils and water over hot stones, before circulating the air in the sauna for a calming or energising effect. The outdoor infinity pool is one of the latest additions. It stays at 30 degrees all year round and offers a view of the city. More new activities will soon be added. “The current trend is active relaxation,” says Berglund. “It is based on the idea that you might need guidance to fully relax. Yoga is one of the ways, and we will create a new area for both regular and hot yoga by the end of the year.” For more information, please visit: paradisetornskoldsvik.se

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden

Empowering the nerds Navet has been named Best Science Centre by the Swedish National Agency for Education, praised in particular for its interdisciplinary view on knowledge and focus on children’s learning. By Malin Norman | Photos: Navet

Located in Borås, Navet is an amalgamation of natural science, mathematics and technology, and aims to empower children’s curiosity in a playful and creative way. It also provides meaningful training for teachers on how to use pedagogical methods and teaching aids, and provides courses on sustainable development. In addition to interactive exhibitions, experimental stations and scientific challenges, it hosts the world’s only mathematics palace and even a CSI-inspired section. Operations director Lotta Johansson says: “I think most of us have this desire to discover, regardless of age.” She stresses the importance of Navet’s loca-

tion close to the University of Borås and the buzzing textile industry. “We want to provide an inspiring and beautiful setting for our visitors. Therefore, we work with a mix of art and science to give them the opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle.” This goes in line with Navet’s aim to help provide time to reflect and motivation to discover science. The centre also serves as a link between the academic world and corporations such as Ericsson, Speed Group, Volvo and Parker. For instance, in August every year businesses in the region give students assignments in order to inspire new ideas and entrepreneurial learning. They are challenged to come up with

creative solutions to the tasks, which are showcased at a big event in December. New this year is an exhibition on digital and analogue technology and the connection to programming. Not to be missed this summer is Navet’s showcase of a 600-square-metre exhibition on dinosaurs with the aim to teach children about evolution and time. “Dinosaurs are fascinating – there’s something truly magical about them. The kids really need to see this!” For more information, please visit: www.navet.com

Making science magical There is always something unusual and mind-boggling happening at Dalénium. Magical physics shows, exciting experiments and problem-solving tasks attract visitors of all ages to the science centre, which has been voted the best of its kind in Sweden three years in a row. By Linnea Woolfson | Photos: Dalénium

“We are a hands-on science centre where visitors are encouraged to get involved and come to their own conclusions by experimenting, touching and trying,” explains Maria Thieme at Dalénium. “The workshop themes and activities change all the time; one day we build cars made from pasta and the next we make paper creations with a twist.” The aim of Dalénium Science Centre is to increase interest in science and technology by organising interactive challenges and scientific shows. Their renowned shows, which take place at the vintage cinema, engage children as well as adults and cover topics ranging from lasers to the science of gas and air.

One of the most popular activities is hosting birthday parties at the venue. If you hear loud cheers and excitement from next door, it might be party guests trying liquid nitrogen ice cream or perhaps a laser-themed party. You can also try to climb through a room filled with laser beams without getting caught. Are you up for the challenge? Dalénium Science Centre is located between Skövde and Falköping in Sweden and is easy to get to by train, just a short walk from Stenstorp train station.

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

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 69

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Children of Sweden

Cool clothes for cool kids – and a clean conscience Organic in terms of both its growth and its fabrics, Filemon Kid is a playful children’s clothes brand that blends fun and brightness with a concern for the environment. Forget throw-away fashion trends and gender-specific fits: this is all about clothes with lasting quality, made for playing.

But it is not only the garments for sale that are organic. From day one, the Cambladhs opted for social media over traditional means of marketing, which was better suited to family life and contributed to organic growth. “Thanks to Instagram, we’ve been able to reach customers all over the world,” says the founder of the brand now available in 20 countries globally.

By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Filemon Kid

Years have passed since Sara Cambladh lived in Greece, where her and her friends lovingly referred to each other as ‘filemon’, most closely translated as ‘buddy’. But when, upon having her second child, she decided to turn her back on commutes and long days in work as a shoe designer in favour of starting up a children’s clothes label, the word resurfaced. “I’d started making prints and sewing clothes for our own kids, and that eventually led to what was to become our very first collection,” Cambladh explains. “Our clothes are colourful and playful with a simple, bold expression, and the aim is for the clothes to last – in regards to both quality and design. But the fun and playfulness are key. Children’s 70 | Issue 87 | April 2016

clothes should never be restrictive.” Lovingly describing the wearer of the brand’s clothes as filemon seemed obvious, and the brand was named Filemon Kid – making cool clothes for cool kids.

Organic all the way Of course, there is nothing cool about design for design’s sake, something the Scandinavian children’s fashion scene is proclaiming loud and clear. And Filemon Kid is at the top of the sustainability game, using nothing but organic GOTS-certified cotton and watersoluble ink-based prints. While production currently takes place in Turkey, the plan is to move it closer to home as soon as possible. Another goal is to start producing the clothes, partly or fully, out of recycled materials.

“Your children are the dearest, most important things in life, so more and more parents want to buy non-toxic clothes for their kids,” says Cambladh. “We do our utmost to tiptoe with as small eco footprints as possible. We care for the children, we care about our planet and we care about originality and a desire for expression.”

The Filemon Kid owners.

For more information, please visit: www.filemonkid.com and follow @FilemonKid on Instagram.

Scan Magazine | Business | Keynote

Scan Business Keynote 71 | A day with Konrad Kierklo 72 | Business Enterprise 75 | Business Calendar 86

Fairness and corruption: a glass-half-full approach

By Steve Flinders

My British best friend tells me that the UK is now hopelessly corrupt – that the press is largely controlled by expatriated oligarchs; that the government is beholden to tax-shy multinationals; that the MPs’ expenses scandal demonstrates the contempt that many politicians have for the public; that London has become a tax haven for the mega-rich undesirables of the globe. His litany of arguments goes on. He also tells me that Italian politics is so fundamentally rotten, citing Berlusconian antics, Camorra horrors and others, that he refuses to set foot in the country any more. These are compelling views, and yet as I indulge in another cappuccino in the sunshine outside a piazza café in Rome, Florence or Catania, bantering with any genial Italian who has the time to spare, it is harder to relate to what exercises my friend so much. So my dilemma is how to reconcile the two opposing perspectives – the personal and the political. The 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International ranks the UK as tenth in the world for cleanliness. Even Italy ranks 61st out of the total of 167; and of course Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway

occupy first, second, third and fifth equal positions respectively. New Zealand is fourth. Will my friend only holiday in Scandinavia in future? Even if Zhou Enlai’s reply of “it is too early to say” to a question about the impact of the French Revolution is a misquote, my glass-half-full approach to life makes me think that this is the best approach to corruption. Little by little the rule of law spreads, often tenuously and painfully, but the process goes on. If we

are vigilant in combating the enemies of open societies, we can all do our little bit to disseminate Scandinavian models of fairness and legitimacy across civil society, wherever we are.

Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 71

Do not worry about things out of your control Some people just seem to have more hours in the day, and Konrad Kierklo is definitely one of them. But if you are to make it onto Forbes’ prestigious 30 under 30 list, maybe that is what it takes. If hardworking is an adjective apt for anyone, it is for the young founding CEO of miinto.com. Scan Magazine spoke to him about a day in the life of a successful entrepreneur. By Mette Madsen | Photos: Miinto

6.30 AM

8 AM

Wake up. Scroll through news outlets and LinkedIn. Out the door by 7:30.

Arrive at the office. Plan my day.

We moved to Denmark from Poland when I was two. Both highly educated, my parents wanted me to have better options than I would’ve had in Poland, which was under communist rule at the time. 72 | Issue 87 | April 2016

My parents have always spurred me on by rewarding me for making the right decisions rather than punishing me for messing up. They wanted me to be the best, and the fact that they sacrificed a lot for me has always stayed with me.

9 AM My co-workers have arrived and I make sure to do a round, saying hello to everyone. It’s been seven years since this adventure began. My development personally and as a leader has been incredible and is constantly ongoing.

Scan Magazine | Business | Konrad Kierklo

9.30 AM Almost every day I have a one-on-one with someone from my managing team to hear about their department and run through ideas that could be interesting. 11 AM Checking emails and preparing pitches. Going from an idea to a product that works and actually creates value for people is everything. It’s crucial that people buy into our product and ideas. 12.30 PM Lunch. A full half an hour is rare, but I try to make it to the lunch table when it’s at its busiest to chat to everyone. Sacrifices have always been a part of my life: parties with the boys, holidays, watching television. I never did the obligatory gap year of backpacking and soul searching before starting my degree. I came close though: I was about to head off for six weeks when investors bought into miinto and I had to drop everything and get to work. 1 PM Checking how sales are going and monitoring the traffic through our online channels. Not too long ago I sat down with my parents, talking about the pace I’ve gone through life, wondering if maybe it would’ve done me good to take that gap year. Maybe I would recommend my future children to take it easy, to take that gap year. 2 PM Checking emails again, answering as many as possible. Every time I open my inbox 20 to 30 new emails have arrived, but I always aim to work through them. A week after that talk with my parents, I was told I had made it onto Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, at age 29. If I had taken that gap year I wouldn’t have had that huge recognition. 3.30 PM Meeting with someone responsible for projects with new products. Discussing

progress, making decisions to change or adjust strategies, hearing pitches for new ideas. Boredom is completely foreign to me, but I would really like to try being truly bored. I can’t even remember having felt that way. I love my life, but in the past year I have realised that taking time off is healthy, and when I have kids one day I hope I’ll be better at creating a work-life balance. 4 PM Checking emails and sales numbers again. Finishing assignments from my ideas inbox, which could take the rest of the evening. Getting to the bottom of my inbox is almost an obsession for me. If I had to give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be not to worry. On my way to where I am today I’ve worried immensely, not knowing whether I could pay my employees and having to ask my investors for more money, worrying whether a decision was right or not. You can only do what you think is right, and then whatever happens happens and you deal with it. There’s no point in obsessing over the ifs and maybes in life. Every day I have to tell myself to relax and stop worrying. 6 PM My girlfriend and I have an agreement that I have to be home at 6pm one night every week for quality time. Other days I’ll go to the gym and return to resume work at the office afterwards, sometimes until 9.30pm, depending on when my girlfriend pulls the plug. Working out was supposed to be a way for me to relax, but it’s actually the time when I have the best ideas. The same goes for holidays. I can’t just chill on the beach without thinking about work. Taking time off is what I’m worst at – only an activity where I have to be fully present will take my mind off work during a holiday. But I enjoy my work. To me it’s not even like work, it’s like a hobby. To me it’s like a professional football player going to work: every day is a sport and a game. My passion just happens to take place in an office instead of on a football pitch.

FACTS: Konrad Kierklo is 29 years old and founding CEO of miinto.com, a website facilitating sales of smaller clothing brands, enabling them to sell their products worldwide. Kierklo founded miinto.com with Mike Radoor seven years ago. Though Radoor left the company last year, miinto is still going strong, counting 85 employees.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 73

Scan Magazine | Business Profile | Sympatix

Left: Endoscopic sympathetic block (ESB) offers relief by putting pressure to prevent impulses using tiny clips placed to the sympathetic nerves behind the chest cavity. Middle: The Endoscopic sympathetic block (ESB) method is a treatment aimed at controlling blushing, and sweating of the face, hands and underarms. Right: The ESB method is practised at a handful of private clinics: the Tilkka Hospital in Helsinki, Finland (pictured), as well as Rome and Merano in Italy.

Tackle your phobias with surgery A bright red face and sweaty palms and underarms can seriously affect a person’s daily routine. Although occasional nervousness is normal, once the symptoms start they can easily create a vicious cycle, where social phobia is often the root cause of the problem. But this can all be helped surgically. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Sympatix

The Endoscopic sympathetic block (ESB) method developed by Dr. Timo Telaranta, creator of the Sympatix treatment, is aimed at controlling blushing as well as sweating on the face, hands and underarms. The endoscopic procedure offers relief by applying pressure to prevent impulses using tiny clips placed to the sympathetic nerves behind the chest cavity, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms. “The endoscopy is done as a day surgery, which is carried out under light anaesthesia. Most patients are able to return to work the following day,” says Telaranta. Telaranta began performing the new ESB method in 1997 to provide a new, gentler method to replace the 74 | Issue 87 | April 2016

more invasive Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), where sympathetic nerves are cut. In the last ten years, Sympatix surgeons have treated over 3,500 patients using ESB and performed over 400 ETS-reversal operations. Currently the ESB method is practised at a handful of private clinics: in Helsinki in Finland as well as in Rome and Merano, Italy. “The risks associated with ESB are small. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are some possible side effects. Some patients report increased sweating in other parts of their body: usually, the worse the initial symptoms have been, the bigger the risk is that sweating elsewhere on the body increases,” Telaranta explains. The procedure is permanent but

can be reversed within one month of the surgery. ESB can also be used to alleviate social phobia and common fears such as fear of flying, heights or open spaces. “Many of our patients have tried therapy before coming to us, but in the long term it is costly and not always effective,” Telaranta says. “Patients often wish they could just stop blushing – but often the underlying cause for blushing is a severe form of social phobia. Through ESB, the blushing symptoms subside with the majority of patients.” The ESB method can also be used to decrease trembling of the body and hands, and can even help with stuttering. “We also have evidence that ESB has beneficial effects on tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease,” Telaranta concludes. For more information, please visit: www.sympatix.fi

e em SE Th RI ial ec RP RK Sp TE MA EN EN D

Reduce your bills while increasing your comfort Having complete control over your heating, gas and electricity can be extremely difficult, with most of us unaware of how much we actually use until the bill arrives. NorthQ’s products put the control back in your hands without reducing homely comforts. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: NorthQ

Being able to create your own heating schedules directly from your phone, or changing the temperature from the taxi on the way back from the airport, means that you will never again come home to a cold house. NorthQ’s system allows you to get this kind of control over your home, ensuring that your comfort levels are always optimised and that you do not waste energy for heating when you do not need it. However, the NorthQ system is not restricted only to controlling the heating. The clever Q-Plug’s applicability is restricted only by the end-user’s imagination. In no time it can be set to schedule the work of an electrical radiator during the night, to switch lamps on or off in or-

der to simulate presence at home when no one is there, thus protecting your property from burglars, and even to control the time kids spend in front of the TV. Saving should not be restricting “Once you’re made aware of your energy consumption, you start to reduce it,” explains Christian von Scholten, founder and CEO of NorthQ. Using their products could result in an annual saving of 15 to 25 per cent depending on the size of the household. “Each kit is like LEGO,” the CEO continues. “There are plenty of addons, which means you can customise your kit to make it perfect for your home. The goal for us is really to improve people’s lives. Technology should be very simple and should make people’s lives easier.”

Top: You can make your own heating timetable so that the house is always warm when you need it to be. Above: Overview of the dashboard.

Furthermore, the products stand out as an easy way to do your bit for the environment, without compromising on daily life. They are also recommended by DONG Energy, the biggest Danish energy provider, and were created in collaboration with Danfoss. “Our products allow you to reduce the amount of energy you use when you don’t really need it, like when you’re out or asleep, and instead increase your heating or enjoy a longer shower when you get home,” says Von Scholten. Using NorthQ products can help you save money on household bills, regain control of your energy consumption and help you to help the environment, all while living as comfortably as you possibly can. For more information, please visit: northq.com

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Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark

Specialising in IoT, Danish R&D company Xtel has helped Danish companies of all sizes embrace a completely new way of doing business.

The Internet of Things – the future of business Imagine your production equipment telling you if a component needs to be replaced to prevent a breakdown, or your product letting your customers know when a service check is needed or informing its owner of supplementary products and services. Specialising in the Internet of Things (IoT), Danish R&D company Xtel opens the door to a completely new way of doing business. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Xtel

Founded as an offspring of Denmark’s mobile cluster in 2005, Xtel, which is located in Aalborg near the city’s university campus, consists of more than 50 highly specialised hardware and software development experts. In recent years, the company, which originally specialised in the wireless technology of mobile phones, has expanded greatly into what is known as the Internet of Things. By helping companies connect their products to the internet, Xtel has helped numerous companies of all sizes create new business opportunities and revenue 76 | Issue 87 | April 2016

streams. IoT has changed the perception of how companies should approach their current business models as it facilitates a transition from selling a standalone product to a product and service. Sales and business development director Mogens Durup Nielsen explains: “Many Danish companies today have a very small profit margin on their existing products, and what they rely on to keep that margin is typically their flexibility and high-quality products. Starting up cooperation, we involve our innovation

team, which carefully maps out all processes connected to any given product. This process opens up the potential new business models enabled by combining a given product with the internet. We can support that by, for instance, developing and integrating low-cost sensors into their systems. Through these, you can get a stream of data on, say, temperature, vibration and wear – essential data to do business on. The result could be that in the end, with a complete IoT system, you can eliminate both breakdowns and superfluous service checks and optimise manual processes by continuously monitoring the production. In the future, you can also do smarter stock control as you limit or even eliminate the need for having service components in stock, and you can leave it to the IoT system to purchase components before they are needed.”

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark

infrastructure and cloud-based services have matured rapidly.

Sales and business development director Mogens Durup Nielsen believes that the Internet of Things (IoT) can not only open up a multitude of potential new business models but also eliminate or minimise many manual processes.

Proven and tested access to a new world The possibilities within IoT are literally unlimited: a product can be equipped with different sensors to provide its user with feedback on its application, it can allow professionals to collect data for statistical purposes, provide product developers with information on how to improve products, or tell them when a service check is needed. And while in the past IoT has been too expensive and time consuming to be considered a valuable investment for all but major corporations, the latest technology transitions have made IoT realistic for small and medium-sized enterprises too. The spread of smart phones has lowered the cost of sensors and wireless technologies dramatically and advanced the technology, and at the same time data

Xtel has a range of proven and tested standard components and platforms that can support the development of quick and cost-efficient IoT systems. “Instead of having companies commit to a long development phase, we can help them develop a prototype with limited features for them to get feedback on before we do the full product development. It’s not a three-year process anymore,” stresses Nielsen. “Normally we work on the product all the way from the idea phase to the finalised product, but we don’t start from scratch every time. We have a platform that helps us bring products to limited functionality quite quickly, and the fact that we can reuse the technology means that it gets to the market not only faster and cheaper but also at lower risk, because we have tested it on other products.” Despite being based on a platform of tested technology, the myriad of possibilities and opportunities inherent in IoT are often unknown and impossible to predict. “Enabling IoT is a strategic decision – not just a regular business decision,” Nielsen explains. “You don’t necessarily see the end point; it’s more about starting a journey towards a lot of new possibilities that might never have been visible before.”

WHAT IS IOT? The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices, products, production elements and all kinds of objects to the internet, typically via sensors, cloud-based services, applications and wireless technology, to enable new services and thereby new businesses ventures. HOW CAN IT BE USED? Thanks to the latest low-cost technology advantages, IoT is now available to companies of all sizes and ambitions. IoT can be used to develop a completely new product or to improve the quality of existing products, ensure preventative maintenance, monitor product usage, maintain contact with users/buyers, and sell and create related services and products. HOW TO GET STARTED: Whether it is an idea for a completely new product or a wish to improve, monitor or compare an existing product, Xtel has the skills to realise all phases from idea through to product design and mechanics to software and hardware development.

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

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 77

Above: AIRTOX boasts protected toe caps, the lightest anti-penetration layer on the market, slip resistance, shock-absorbing and cooling insoles, a super-light and flexible midsole as well as a multidot direct massage system. Right: Johnny Hedegaard Perch-Nielsen, an experienced business developer within the concrete industry, has joined forces with AIRTOX to introduce the shoe to new markets.

Walking on AIRTOX Building on its huge success at home, Denmark’s new international safety shoe brand, AIRTOX, is entering the European market. The first step is a branch in Switzerland, where the brand is getting ready to introduce its comfortable and trendy advanced-technology safety trainers to the professional footwear market. By Signe Hansen | Photos: AIRTOX

Due to the many statutory standards that have to be observed, safety shoes are often heavy, inflexible and without any reflection of current trends. This is not the case with AIRTOX who, thanks to no less than five patented technologies, has managed to create a safety shoe that enables its wearer to stay safe, healthy, comfortable and happy with their look. AIRTOX was founded in 2015 by Henrik Boe Wiingaard-Madsen, who has more than 20 years of experience within the industry. The brand’s huge success on the Danish market quickly attracted interest from other markets and, recently, Johnny Hedegaard PerchNielsen, an experienced business developer within the concrete industry, con78 | Issue 87 | April 2016

tacted Wiingaard-Madsen. Attracted by AIRTOX’s many unique qualities, he decided to join forces with the brand to introduce the shoe to his home market of Switzerland. “The reason why I’ve partnered with AIRTOX is that we offer a shoe that has something extra, something that’s not on the market. If it had just been another product in line with what is already available, it wouldn’t have been as exciting at all, but I feel that we’re bringing a product which offers a completely new design and technology to the market,” stresses Perch-Nielsen. When it comes to technology, there is no doubt that AIRTOX incorporates more than any other shoe. One of such technologies is Whitelayer®, a fabric original-

ly developed for use in the US Military’s anti-penetration wear. Lighter, stronger and more flexible than any competing material, Whitelayer® works in AIRTOX shoes as a protection against nails and other sharp objects. Among other technologies are AIRTOX’s own UTURN®, a wire-based lacing system that enables the user to lace the shoe quickly and evenly, ensuring a stable grip all the way down the foot. AIRTOX facts: Wiingaard-Madsen started up AIRTOX at the beginning of 2015. AIRTOX develops their shoes from scratch in Scandinavia using highly advanced patented technologies and materials sourced from all over the world. The company is located in Nærum, Denmark.

For more information, please visit: www.airtox.eu

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark The Nabby app.

The ALPHA Reader. Wheel loaders.

Be smart – bring your business into the future Print for dumpers.

There is no doubt that smart technology is rapidly changing the world. Smart communication from machine to machine has become standard, and the next big leap approaching from the so-called Internet of Things will allow embedded software in common objects to communicate important data and information. This new technology will help to optimise time efficiency and profit, and also has the potential to improve human standards of living. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Develco

One of Europe’s leading developers of electronic and embedded software, the Danish company Develco is excited about the possibilities and potential applications of modern wireless technology for all types of industries. Established in 1990, the engineering company has worked with companies such as Grundfos, Volvo and Motorola to develop cutting-edge solutions to suit each partner company’s exact needs. “Wireless technology has great potential within all types of industry,” CSO Jakob Bjerre explains. “We’ve developed everything from Grundfos’s GO smart pump, which lets users monitor and regulate flow and temperature via an app on their mobile phone, to Suma Care’s intelligent nappies, which include a small

sensor that alerts carers when the nappy needs changing.” This can, for example, be used to heighten dignity and comfort for elderly people who can avoid unnecessary physical checks. The sensors are also able to collect statistical data, which can be used to work out the most efficient routines for staff and reduce time wastage in busy wards. “We’re keen to work with any type of company that requires creative smart technological solutions, no matter the sector,” says Bjerre. One of Develco’s biggest current projects is the development of a Smart City system for one of Denmark’s municipalities, digitalising its water and heating infrastructure to optimise energy flow and significantly reduce economic and environmental waste of resources.

Develco offers everything from consultancy services and product development to full production. “We work very closely with our project partners to create exactly the end product that they require,” Bjerre says. “We often have employees from our partners’ companies come work alongside our dedicated engineers for extended periods at our offices in Århus to finetune the technology together.” Apart from their own product developers and engineers, Develco has a strong network of trusted and proven industry experts and partner companies they collaborate with when other areas of expertise are needed. During the manufacturing of electronic products, Develco takes full responsibility for suppliers, including legal matters, test coverage and final product quality. “We’re really all about providing high-quality and individually suited smart electronic solutions for companies,” Bjerre concludes.

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

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 79

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark

Creating business bonds between locals at opposite sides of the world The road might seem long from a small company in the Danish town of Slagelse in the western part of Zealand to the immense Chinese market. But a year into the international project at Slagelse Erhvervscenter, the road has already become a great deal shorter. By Mette Hindkjaer Madsen | Photos: Slagelse Erhvervscenter

“We have established an exciting partnership with the wealthy Chinese town Wenzhou, where we can present our local businesses to our contact at the city council, and he can help us connect to relevant Chinese businesses,” says Kim Bøhmert, director of internationalisation at Slagelse Erhvervscenter. Last year, Slagelse Erhvervscenter brought a group of locals to visit Wenzhou. Among the participants was the mayor of Slagelse and, among the results of the trip, exchange agreements between students and teachers of schools were reached in Slagelse and Wenzhou, to the great joy of both parties. 20 to 30 local companies are joining

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Slagelse Erhvervscenter in Wenzhou this year to establish valuable business connections. “It’s a great opportunity for the participants to enter the Chinese market, but also for the Chinese to develop their welfare technology and sustainable energy, for example,” Bøhmert explains. And at the core of these corporate bonds is Slagelse Erhvervscenter. They guide companies interested in exporting their business internationally, and keep an eye out for local companies whose businesses show potential for international export. “We screen all companies to see if their products are eligible for export and find out whether they are ready to jump into

it or have a few steps to go before making the big leap,” says Bøhmert. “Either way, we help those who are interested by creating a business plan to prepare them for the next move towards international export.” China is just one of the international destinations Slagelse Erhvervscenter is in touch with at the moment. Germany and Norway are in the mix as well, but the ambition moving forward is clear, according to Bøhmert: “We want our technological know-how to enter the international market to benefit both them and us. We can learn a lot from each other. Through the export of our local businesses we can help productivity in other countries and create jobs for our citizens, and that is our whole reason for doing this.” For more information, please visit: www.slagelseerhvervscenter.dk and www.investinslagelse.com

Create your dream house in no time Is the size of your bedroom just a bit too small, while your living room takes up all the square footage? Ever dreamed of designing your home just the way you want it? Nyt Hjem can take those dreams and bring them to life by creating the ultimate space for you. By Mette Hindkjaer Madsen | Photos: Nyt Hjem

Carsten Kastrup and Kristoffer Wøldike Schmith are two Danes who have put their previous experience in the construction industry to excellent use. Last year, they spruced up an already existing company and turned it into their own construction project with remarkable success. In just that first year business has more than doubled, primarily thanks to the founders’ clear vision. “We are brave,” says Wøldike Schmith. “In Denmark there is a long-standing tendency for houses to all look very similar. Your house looks like your neighbour’s, giving the whole neighbourhood a unified appearance. We are breaking that convention up and letting you make your house your own.”

An example of Nyt Hjem’s creative boldness is the atrium. “We have fashioned a house built around an atrium, which is not something you usually see in your average Danish quarter,” Wøldike Schmith explains. When creating a house with Nyt Hjem, you have talented architects at your disposal to collaboratively make your domestic dreams come alive. You choose how the rooms are put together, which size each room should be, what materials to use for your kitchen, even where you want your electrical outlets placed. The process is completely streamlined, with the top manufacturers and architects already working with Nyt Hjem.

They have made the elementary material decisions for you, allowing you to get creative and make the choices for your house to be just the way you want it – and still keep the entire building process at a mere 16 weeks. That is the shortest delivery time for a house in Denmark, without comprising the quality of the product, which is a key ingredient in Nyt Hjem’s business. “Building a house is building a whole life. You’re helping create the space where people live their life, and standing with the final product seeing people’s dreams come true is what it’s all about,” finishes Wøldike Schmith. Nyt Hjem creates family homes, summer houses and terraced houses and delivers to other businesses in the construction industry. For more information, please visit: nythjem.com

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 81

More heat for the money Quality, innovation and efficiency. These are some of the keywords behind Solamagic Scandinavia’s offering of the best heater systems on the market, explaining how the company has been able to grow so rapidly over the last few years. By Nicolai Lisberg | Photos: Solamagic Scandinavia

Since Solamagic Scandinavia became a member of the Solamagic Group back in 2013, it has been the utterly clear philosophy of the company to deliver the most high-quality and innovative heaters on the market. That is one of the reasons why every single product is tested before

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it leaves the factory. It is also why the company is the only one of its kind with quality approval from TüV, the highest recognition you can achieve. “The first step to success is to create a product that’s outstanding in every possible way. Nothing is left to chance when we construct the Solamagic heaters,” explains Peter van A. Bjerke, CEO of Solamagic Scandinavia. “All the components we use are carefully selected to make sure that the heaters are not only functional, but also look good. We want our customers to have a product they can and want to use for many, many years to come.”

Last year Solamagic produced in the region of 60,000 to 70,000 units and experienced a 50 per cent increase in their Scandinavian turnover – an achievement they expect to repeat in 2016. Financially friendly In order to secure the quality, all of Solamagic’s products are produced in Germany. If you are not satisfied with the heater – contrary to the expectation – you can exchange it for free within the first 30 days in any store in Scandinavia. “That’s how much we believe in our products,” says Van A. Bjerke. Besides offering state-of-the-art design and functionality, the Solamagic heaters are more financially friendly than most of the competitors on the market. For instance, they start omitting heat immediately after you flick the switch, so there is no annoying warm-up phase and no

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark

waiting for the heater to start generating heat. The heat rays are directed towards the area to be heated, rather than moving upwards and away, and the energy utilisation is extremely high – almost one to one in conversion from energy to heat. This gives you an energy saving of 15 per cent compared to other IR-heating systems, with an up to 42 per cent higher heating ability than an average patio heater in the market – and up to 80 per cent savings compared to conventional gas patio heaters. “If we insert a 2000-watt Solamagic Noglare® heating element in our heaters, it allows almost all of that energy to come out as heat, and that’s unique. You can find cheaper solutions on the market, but they only heat up 15 to 20 per cent of the area we do, so in the long run our heaters are more financially sound,” Van A. Bjerke explains. The local connection Solamagic Scandinavia sells solutions to both private consumers and professionals, and right now they are experiencing success with creating an interface between the heater and computer technology. The technology is named Solamagic Pro Automation Systems and allows you to connect your heaters and outdoor LED-light systems to so-called Solamagic smart-boxes. By using the Solamagic Pro Automation System, you can connect an already existing system, such as automatic lighting on your terrace, to the heaters.

company is expanding they still emphasise the importance of the local community. This is why all the information you need is available in your local language. So if you buy a Solamagic heater in Denmark, it comes with all the technical instructions in Danish. Also, no matter where you purchase your Solamagic product, if you buy it before 12pm it will be shipped the same day. And should you have questions regarding your Solamagic heater, you can go to any store in Scandinavia.

“Our philosophy is to create an intimate, service-oriented, locally rooted business, where you as a dealer and customer can always contact us for advice and guidance. All of our staff have extensive knowledge of our products and will always be able to advise and guide you to the optimal solution,” Van A. Bjerke concludes. For more information, please visit: www.solamagic.nu

“It’s groundbreaking technology – for some reason no one has ever thought about doing it before,” says Van A. Bjerke, providing an example: “If you are sitting in your garden and it starts to get colder, our systems can automatically turn the heater on. To save energy, it doesn’t run on full power to begin with, but only gradually turns up the heat as needed when the temperature drops.” Since Solamagic opened its Scandinavian headquarters in Copenhagen in 2013, the company has expanded to Finland and Sweden. The plan is to establish offices in Iceland later on in 2016, but while the Issue 87 | April 2016 | 83

A contracting company specialising in infrastructure construction, Brdr. Møller stands out because of its focus on sustainability and strong sense of social responsibility.

Sustainable infrastructure The family-run Brdr. Møller (The Møller Brothers) is a contracting company specialising in infrastructure construction, while also trying to do its bit for the environment and for society.

been with the company for the past 30 years, while another employee has been there since 1966.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Brdr. Møller

Juul has big plans for the company, with expansion and growth being two of the keywords. There are currently 60 employees, but Juul hopes to double this by 2020 and also expand their geographical area to cover more of Jutland.

The company was founded in 1964 by the three Møller brothers and has since specialised in building infrastructure, especially in their local area of Brabrand, just outside of Aarhus, Denmark. “We basically work on everything below the knees,” explains Niels Juul, the general manager of Brdr. Møller.

The company frequently invests in the newest technology, ensuring that their large machinery is as energy efficient as possible. “It’s not always the cheapest way of doing things, but we never think twice if we see that a machine can reduce our emissions,” Juul explains.

Brdr. Møller has over the past couple of years, under Juul’s management, decided to focus more on sustainability. As Juul says: “We don’t have an infinite amount of resources, and we’re all aware of that. Previously we would’ve just got something new, but now we try to recycle as much as we possibly can. We’re part of an industry where we can’t help but have a lot of emissions, but we’re trying to do everything possible to minimise that footprint.”

Brdr. Møller also take their social responsibility extremely seriously. They have hired refugees, and each year they donate to various charities across the country. “We have a social responsibility to give something back, so we’re always trying to find ways to do that,” says Juul.

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Social responsibility

Brdr. Møller comes across as an excellent workplace where people work hard but also become part of the family and stay for many years. Juul, for one, has

Brdr. Møller are known for always delivering a quality product and service, and for keeping a clear and open dialogue with the people they work for. What makes this company stand out is its focus on sustainability and its strong sense of social responsibility, making it a frontrunner within its field.

Niels Juul, general manager.

For more information, please visit: brdrmoller.dk

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark

Put your mind at ease Living with a mental illness can be extremely difficult, especially if you are not receiving the right kind of care. At Skovhus Privathospital they put your individual needs at the forefront of your treatment, providing you with the best possible results and excellent customer care.

with the patient, should the patient want to. This allows them to learn more about the treatment and the illness itself, which often helps the patient when returning home.

By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Skovhus Privathospital

Skovhus Privathospital, based in Nykøbing Sjælland, Denmark, specialises in treating mental illness and has had many patients through its doors since it opened in 2007. “The whole process starts with meeting one of our doctors for a consultation. You’ll keep that same doctor throughout your treatment,” explains Kit Kjærsgaard, the hospital manager. “A lot of people find that they hit a brick wall in the public sector system when trying to get help,” says Kjærsgaard. “We’ve seen a huge increase in people who are willing to pay for their own treatment. Since we opened we’ve grown by about 100 per cent every year.” A recent survey conducted by LUP, a national research organisation specialising in patient experiences, found that the

hospital’s customer satisfaction was at 100 per cent. At Skovhus the doctors are there to care for the patients 24/7 and, as Kjærsgaard says, “people aren’t only affected between 9am and 5pm, so we need to be there for them when they need us”. The doctors start the day by having breakfast with the patients before moving on to therapy, consultations, reflexology, yoga or simply a walk in the beautiful surroundings. Importantly, someone else takes care of the admin, so that the doctors can focus on their patients. Family and the long term Mental health does not only affect the patient, but also friends and family. Relatives can be brought in to have sessions

“It’s a long process,” says Kjærsgaard. “People can be here for weeks or months, and once they leave the care doesn’t stop. You can easily call up your doctor again to have a chat or come back for some extra support.” Skovhus goes above and beyond expectations. The staff are undoubtedly excellent at their jobs, welcoming not only plenty of Danish patients, but also people from Norway and Sweden. Although the treatment comes at a financial expense, the personal expense of not being treated properly can be much worse, and at Skovhus you are assured that things are done correctly the first time around. For more information, please visit: www.skovhusprivathospital.dk

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 85

Scan Magazine | Business | Enterprise Denmark / Business Calendar

Do you know if your house is healthy? New Nordic Engineering creates the technology to collect information about your building – everything from the carbon dioxide level to how many people are in it at any given time. And they can keep you updated on when your kids are home from school, when you should open a window to air out a certain room or connect you with your baby to hear them crying from a mile away. By Mette Hindkjær Madsen | Photos: New Nordic Engineering

If you have ever felt a bit tired slumming it on your couch or at the office, you are certainly not the only one. But there could be a simple explanation and solution to it. CEO of New Nordic Engineering, Stig Dahl-Hansen, explains: “We test our sensors at an office workplace, where the employees are tired and unhappy with the indoor climate. After a few days of monitoring the indoor climate of the office, it is easy to see where the problem is: too much CO2 in the air. New habits for opening the windows and a few other adjustments and the problem is solved,” explains Dahl-Hansen, who himself has many sensors in his own house.

Using wireless sensors and a device to collect the data, New Nordic Engineering can cross analyse the collected data from all kinds of sensors you might have in your building and update or alert you if there is something you should be aware of. “We make sensors to collect data for different needs, so, for instance, you can save money by knowing if you’re using too much energy,” says the CEO. Whether you are a private person or a big corporation, New Nordic Engineering can help you get to know your building’s health, prevent and solve problems and even optimise your health within your own walls.

For more information, please visit: www.n.build

Scandinavian Business Calendar

By Mette Hindkjær Madsen

Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Networking and shopping event The Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them for a casual networking event at Blåbär’s newly launched Nordic Lifestyle store and café. You will get the chance to discover Blåbär’s collection of chic Nordic homeware and lifestyle products, while enjoying Nordic-inspired foods and drinks – plus there will be a 20 per cent discount on selected products. Date and time: 14 April, 6pm–8pm Venue: Blåbär Nordic Living, 3a Lacy Road, Putney, London SW15 1NH www.fbcc.co.uk

Nordic Drinks Friends of the Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce in the UK gather for Nordic Drinks every last Thursday of the month, this time at the SEB offices. Bring your colleagues along, as this is a great place to 86 | Issue 87 | April 2016

meet new people. Date and time: 28 April, 6pm–8pm Venue: SEB, 1 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5AN www.ducc.co.uk

PR opportunities in the digital age This is a unique opportunity for members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce to come together at Grace Bar to hear from experts and discuss current PR challenges facing companies. For the first time ever, Mynewsdesk will be presenting key findings from its recently carried out Digital PR Challenge report, among other things talking about the main challenge of all communication professionals today: the ever-increasing workload. Date and time: 21 April, 8am–10am Venue: Grace Bar & Restaurant, 44 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NB www.scc.org.uk

Gunn Wærsted visits Nordea Bank London Gunn Wærsted has had a long career in finance and is now embarking on a career as a professional board member, holding the position as chair of the board of Telenor as well as Petoro. At this Nordea International Private Banking reception, she will share her thoughts on the future of private banking as well as some reflections on the Norwegian economy. Date: 20 April 2016 Venue: Nordea Bank, 6th Floor 5 Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7AZ www.nbccuk.com

Scan Magazine | Activity of the Month | Denmark

The Land Rover Experience Center offers half, whole or two-day courses in off-road driving, and you can spice up the day even more with clay pigeon shooting, blind driving, a tour of the renaissance gardens or RIB sailing in the fjord.

Activity of the month, Denmark

Keeping off track “I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and it is still great fun!” The Land Rover Experience Center at Vejle Fjord, Denmark, is the only centre of its kind in Denmark, and one of only 50 in the world. Anyone can come along and test the features and sturdiness that make four-by-fours so much fun to drive off-road. Ib Hammer, the centre’s most experienced instructor, has taught all kinds throughout the years, from teenagers to business people at company events. By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Land Rover Experience Center

“It’s a challenge, it’s exciting, it’s something completely different from the everyday and from normal driving,” Hammer explains. “You discover talents you never knew you had.” The Land Rover Experience Center offers half, whole or two-day courses in off-road driving for anyone. The centre hosts specific pre-driver’s licence courses as well as fine tuning for experienced four-by-four drivers – though a certified Land Rover centre, they let people bring their own four-byfours to the track if they so wish. The standard courses usually consist of between one and ten students while

events might involve hundreds of visitors, though most companies bring between eight and 40 people along. Up to four people can fit in a car alongside the instructor, who has been professionally trained in England or at the centre. “We see a lot of returning businesses inviting clients on a fun day out with us,” Hammer says. “It works great for creating memories and team spirit, and I dare say we’re a lot more exciting than a round of mini-golf.” The Land Rover Experience Center is part of Tirsbæk Gods, the beautiful local estate, which can accommodate guests for overnight events and meetings. For those

on half or one-day courses, breakfast and/or lunch are included in the course fee. Many choose to spice up the day even further by adding extra activities such as clay pigeon shooting, blind driving, a tour of the renaissance gardens or RIB sailing in the fjord to the mix to create exactly the special event that they are looking for. Behind the wheel, days start by mastering the basics on a safe track featuring different types of terrain and conditions. Then, drivers are let loose on the nature trails in the 220-hectare forested area surrounding Tirsbæk Gods. “It’s not about driving fast, it’s about driving well,” Hammer explains. “You test your own and the car’s limits in safe and controlled conditions with an experienced instructor beside you. What could be more fun than that?” For more information, please visit: www.landroverexperience.dk

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 87

Entering the Copenhagen Medieval Market is like stepping into a whole new world of Vikings and knights, ferocious fights, trade, role-play, and medieval music and food. Left photo: Tomasz Brodzikowski. Right Photo: Gunni Grahn.

Experience of the month, Denmark

A trip through 1,000 years of Scandinavian history In Copenhagen, the Middle Ages are more than a chapter in a dusty history book; it is a popular tourist destination. As the Copenhagen Medieval Market celebrates its tenth anniversary, the organisers expect more than 35,000 visitors – children and adults alike. But most people do not only visit the market to experience the incredible times of Vikings and knights; they seek an escape from the stress of modern life in a digital age.

more than 35,000 visitors and 1,500 reenactors. The reenactors, who represent at least 20 countries worldwide, are each dedicated to certain periods of the Middle Ages, and will for three days play the full role of medieval men and women, fighters, cooks and tradesmen.

By Sanne Wass

From 13 to 16 May, the Copenhagen Medieval Market opens its doors into a remarkable tale of history. As soon as you pass by the market’s porters – who just like in the medieval times make sure that no unwanted thieves enter the market – you enter a separate world of Vikings and knights, ferocious fights, trade, role-play, and medieval music and food. “The Middle Ages are amazing because we have so many different epochs over nearly 1,000 years, with many historical influences. As soon as you enter the mar88 | Issue 87 | April 2016

ket you get the feeling of stepping away from this decade and into a whole new world,” explains Dennis Fuller, Copenhagen Medieval Market’s event manager.

“The journey starts with the Viking Age,” Fuller says. “To mark our tenth anniversary we have a greater focus on the Vikings because they are a big part of Photo: Kira Arsland.

The Copenhagen Medieval Market started in 2007 when three role-play enthusiasts followed their dream of creating something different. And so they transformed Valbyparken in Copenhagen, Denmark, into an authentic medieval society. Back then, 800 guests came to experience history up close. This year it is a whole different story, as the organisers expect

Scan Magazine | Experience of the Month | Denmark

Photo: Gunni Grahn.

Photo: Anders Jung.

our Scandinavian history and DNA. Here you’ll see the trade stalls, how they cooked, how they were sewing, weaving, making pieces of jewellery and Viking tattoos. And, of course, how they fought. You can talk to them, ask questions, and get a full idea of how it was back then. The atmosphere is like a true marketplace, with the sound of leather drums and flutes mixed with shouting from the fighting arena.”

role-playing area, where children can play orcs and fighters while parents may choose to enjoy a glass of medieval beer. “Here we really see how happy the children are to get to play. In general, we get very positive reactions. The parents think it’s great that their kids can walk around freely, be active, and be allowed to ask all the questions they want. It’s a living museum, a vivid story, in which you can spend hours or days,” Fuller says.

Medieval fights and role-play

Close to reality – almost

Step by step, visitors follow the timeline of history and soon the Viking era turns into that of knights and noblemen. The market’s many restaurants and food stalls serve everything from roast pig and seafood to various cabbage salads and vegetarian tapas, all inspired by different periods of the Middle Ages. This year there will be a separate music stage where visitors can enjoy concerts by medieval-inspired bands.

Fuller explains that their guests not only come to experience the lively historical narrative of the Middle Ages. “They come because of the special atmosphere. As soon as you enter the market, you leave the digital world behind, and the stress of your everyday life disappears,” he says.

Even though every single detail is well thought out, from the activities, actors and clothes, to the settings, Fuller admits that there are a few things that are not historically accurate. “In the Middle Ages, the battles would cause death. Today, the players get no more than a few bruises and a sore body. And the battle arenas follow safety requirements that didn’t exist back then,” he says and adds that some stalls take credit cards as well. “However, we do recommend people to bring cash, as many stalls stand by the fact that no such thing existed in medieval times,” he smiles.

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

But the most popular activity – one that attracts worldwide attention – is the medieval battles. Midway through the fields are the combat arenas, where the Copenhagen Medieval Market hosts the worldwide championship, Battle of the Nations, among other Middle Age-inspired battles. “The atmosphere is incredible during these fights,” Fuller says. “There are shouts, screams and excitement, and people rooting for the fighters they believe can win. Just imagine a boxing tournament, but with three to five people on each team. It gets pretty crazy.” The market ends in what the organisers call the present-time area, or the

Photo: Gunni Grahn.

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Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark

Hotel of the month, Denmark

Romance and relaxation In the idyllic Danish beach town of Hornbæk lies the Hornbækhus Hotel. Built in 1904, the house has been a seaside resort ever since, and through careful renovation it has retained many of the quirky features from its long history. The hotel itself, along with its beautiful surroundings and proximity to Elsinore, makes it the perfect romantic getaway or wedding venue as well as an ideal setting for memorable conferences.

and is equipped with all the necessary technology for seamless modern meetings, seminars and speeches. “We have 26 rooms in the hotel itself, and then we have the annex, Anneks Villa Strand, with an additional 16 rooms,” says Nielsen.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Hotel Hornbækhus

Hornbæk is part of a network of old fishing villages along the northern coast of Zealand. In 1906, Hornbæk was included as part of the railway and the town transformed into a place for the rich and famous to escape the pressure of Copenhagen and relax with their loved ones. With its serene beech forests, its long, sandy beaches and its idyllic agricultural countryside, it is easy to see the attraction then and now. The hotel is located less than a minute from Hornbæk’s centre too and is close to the local golf course. Famous visitors include Hergé, the father of Tintin, who left a cartoon as thanks for an enjoyable stay, and Piet 90 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Hein, who wrote a poem about the “personable hotel”. Although the hotel has changed staff as well as owners since his visit, the personable aspect is still at the heart of Hornbækhus. “All of the permanent staff have been here for ages,” daily manager Betinna Nielsen explains. “We also have a lot of guests who return for a few days every year. Come to think of it, even most of our temporary staff have been with us for years.” From the late 1970s until 2002, Hornbækhus was the designated conference centre for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The hotel includes a 60-person hall ideal for weddings or conferences as well as a smaller 20-person room,

During the summer months, the annex turns into a bed and breakfast perfect for families and couples. The hotel has its own team of chefs, experienced with large catering events, who make everything themselves – even down to the morning cracker bread. The hotel has a partnership with a local spa, and several great package deals for couples and families are available through VisitDenmark and the hotel itself. “We’re a place where you can experience proper Danish ‘hygge’,” Nielsen adds. “You can relax by yourself or with others – we have room for everyone!” For more information, please visit: www.hornbaekhus.com

Restaurant of the month, Denmark

Let loose in the boudoir Morten Angelo has brought a new concept to Copenhagen with his restaurant/ nightclub fusion. It is a space where you can enjoy fantastic food, let your hair down and surrender yourself to a great party. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Lusso

With 360 degrees of mirrors, leather straps hanging from the ceiling and velvet furniture, Lusso is not your typical restaurant. “It’s like stepping into a different world,” Angelo suggests. “We want people to have a good time, eat great food, dance on the tables and just let loose.”

also no freestanding furniture and all our booths are raised, so even when sitting, you’re eye-level with those standing and part of the party. It gives it quite a sensual and erotic feel, which is also reflected in our boudoir food.”

Lusso is open Thursday to Saturday every week, with one dinner sitting every night and then later a club sitting. “There’s always a DJ playing music, but around 10pm is when the lights are dimmed and the party really starts. Our DJs change frequently to make sure we always have a fresh vibe,” Angelo says.

“Boudoir food is the kind of food you imagine your lover bringing you in bed. It’s like sophisticated tapas,” says Angelo. Lusso operates with a three-course set menu, which changes every two weeks. Lobster and beef frequently feature, making it a luxurious experience. The food is brought out on large platters for the whole table to share.

“The space is quite small, making it a bit dark and sultry,” he continues. “We decorated it with a boudoir in mind, hence the mirrors, velour and leather. There’s

Boudoir food

With 65 spaces for dinner and 150 for the party, Lusso is not exactly huge. “We fill up very quickly and people usually pre-

book. Patrick Ferrari is in charge of the daily running of Lusso. He’s your man when it comes to entering, dining and partying,” explains Angelo. Lusso is an exclusive place where you let yourself surrender to a party. “We want people to leave having had an incredible and completely unique time. We always try to reinvent ourselves so that every visit is a little bit different.” What Angelo has created is a meticulous space that is unlike anything else you will find in Copenhagen. It is sophisticated, exclusive and undeniably an unforgettable experience as soon as you walk through the doors into this eccentric world.

For more information, please visit: lusso.nu

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 91

Photo: Siri Tømte

Restaurant of the Month, Norway

A culinary footprint in Elverum Passionate about food and armed with a dream, the owner of Siris Delikatesse, Spisested og Catering, Siri Tømte, had a clear vision of the culinary establishment she wanted to open in Elverum. After she secured the perfect venue, that dream became reality and today she runs a popular eatery, delicatessen and catering business. By Maria Lanza Knudsen

Born and raised in Elverum, Tømte trained as a chef and gained a degree from the Norwegian School of Hotel Management in Stavanger. Her dream was always to return to Elverum and open her own establishment. When a newly constructed building in her preferred area became available, Tømte knew the timing was right. Backed by a great team, Siris Delikatesse, Spisested og Catering finally opened in October 2014.

Siri Tømte Photo: Per A Borglund

92 | Issue 87 | April 2016

“Part of my motivation for opening my own establishment was that the combination of a restaurant, delicatessen and catering function did not exist in Elver-

um,” Tømte explains. “I felt there was a clear need for this concept.” Her assessment was indeed correct. Today, Siris is one of the most popular eateries, delis and catering companies in the area. It has become a place where quality shines, food culture is promoted, and culinary delights are enjoyed. Quality first and foremost The main pillar of Tømte’s culinary concept is quality. The emphasis is on quality at every front – from the location and venue of the establishment to its staff, food and produce. With seating in the restaurant area for over 50 guests and an additional space for 50 on the sunny terrace when the season permits, guests can enjoy a varied menu. Coffee, tea and other beverages are on offer, as well as sandwiches and baked goods which can all be enjoyed in the eatery’s light open space. The lunch

Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Norway

buffet offers a daily spin with fresh produce from the delicatessen counter and the restaurant area is also open for hire to host dinners and parties in the evening for 15 to 50 guests. A delicatessen to be admired Adjacent to the restaurant, the delicatessen is an impressive indoor food market. A cornucopia of goods are on display, including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and other baked goods, coffees and teas, sauces and oils, fresh fish and matured meat, as well as beer and ales from selected microbreweries. Many of the products are created from scratch, including Siris’ smoked and cured salmon, cured venison, sauces and dressings, to name a few. In addition, various hot dishes are available for takeout. It is the extensive selection of cheeses that is the centrepiece of the deli counter. Popular international cheeses are supplemented by a growing number of local Norwegian cheeses from across the country. “Our cheese selection rivals some of the best in the country,” Tømte states proudly. “With the sharp rise and interest in cheesemaking in Norway, our selection is quite diverse and even includes Norwegian cheeses that have won taste awards internationally.” In short, Siri’s delicatessen has all the unique products one will struggle to find in the grocery store. Catering to the taste buds It is Siris’ catering function that really highlights the footprint the establishment has made in the region. Catering to clients in the whole of eastern Norway, Siris looks after both large and small parties, whether they are birthday parties, weddings or corporate events. The focus, as always, is on delivering quality homemade food made from fresh ingredients to suit the guest’s taste buds. It is perhaps the special, themed events hosted at Siris restaurant that are the most unique and loved. Every month, themed meals are served in the restaurant section, ranging from Champagne brunches and seafood feasts to tapas evenings, cheese tastings and wine pair-

Photo: Tiffany Beveridge

ing evenings. Guest speakers, such as sommeliers, are often invited to present on the selected theme, making the events both tasty and informative. “These tasting events have become very popular,” Tømte says. “They’re a great way for us to showcase our culinary expertise and the wide selection of foods we produce and procure. We keep coming up with new event concepts, so follow our blog to see what is ahead!” In an age where restaurants and cafés are often part of chains, it is inspiring to find an establishment like Siris Delikatesse, Spisested og Catering – an individual concept that carves its own path and pleases on all fronts.

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

Photo: Tiffany Beveridge

FACTS: Siris Delikatesse, Spisested og Catering is located in Elevrum, a two-hour drive north of the Norwegian capital. With a restaurant, a delicatessen shop and a catering function all under the same roof, Siris offers a distinct culinary experience unlike anything else found in the area.

Photo: Tiffany Beveridge

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 93

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark

Attraction of the Month, Denmark

A fun, free family day out Located at the centre of Denmark in the city of Fredericia, Madsby Legepark puts family fun and simple joy at the heart of their park – for free. “We’re all about that famous Danish concept of ‘hygge’,” says Kim Ekstrøm, deputy director of Madsby Legepark. “We’re a place where families can come to get away from the stress of the everyday and just enjoy each other’s company.”

its hugely popular inflatable water balls. “The activities are manned by friendly and charming staff who’ll help ensure the whole family has a safe, fun and comfortable day together,” says Ekstrøm.

By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Madsby Legepark

The biggest charmers are probably the park’s team of farm animals, most of which can be petted and fed with 10DKK snacks. Human fodder is available to buy at the park’s kiosk, but visitors are encouraged to bring along their own picnics, which can be consumed inside lunch houses in case of rain or even grilled at the park’s bookable BBQ stations. Of course, visitors are also free to simply go for a stroll amongst the blooming spring flowers, have a casual game of football, or enjoy the changing colours of the landscape during autumn.

Madsby Legepark (meaning ‘pleasure park’) was founded by Fredericia’s city council as a green oasis in 1985. The 20-hectare park was intended as a place where children and their imagination could run wild without it costing a fortune. Madsby quickly grew in popularity, attracting visitors from further and further afield and today the park has over 300,000 visitors a year, including other Scandinavians, Germans and Brits. “We’ve found that we’re very well positioned for tourists going through Denmark,” Ekstrøm explains. “Madsby makes a nice break in the middle of a long drive. It’s also a fun addition to Jutland city breaks.” What is more, the park recently started collaborating 94 | Issue 87 | April 2016

with nearby LEGOLAND and makes for a fun and calming addition to your holidays at LEGOLAND Resort. As well as the fresh air and nature, the park features a range of activities and playgrounds including mini golf, family-size rowing boats and a large multi-path Mooncar track. Some of these are covered by a small fee, which helps to pay for their upkeep, but costs are kept minimal in accordance with the ethos of the park. Active visitors of all ages will love the sand playground, featuring giant swings, slides and many other innovative obstacles, while those looking for an easy ride can board the Madsby locomotive. The park even lets you walk on water with

For more information in Danish, English or German, please visit: www.madsbylegepark.dk

Scan Magazine | Humour | Columns

IS IT JUST ME…

By Mette Lisby

Who has only recently discovered the really uncanny thing about Donald Trump’s rise to frontrunner as the Republican Presidential nominee? All of us have been laughing: it was like the first rounds of the auditions for X Factor, where you watch the lunatics try their luck, purely for entertainment, reassured that they would never even come close to reaching the real part of the show. I was calm even as things started to escalate, like the reports of violence from his rallies and Donald Trump encouraging it. All the while I sat there feeling safe, thinking, ‘Nothing to worry about – it’s just a question of time before everyone sees that he’s a racist, a bigot and a bully’. But he kept winning primaries. People kept voting for him. Then one night, while watching panelists on CNN who were as outraged as I was over Trump’s behavior, the chilling realisation hit me: everything that you and I find appalling about Donald Trump is exactly what his supporters like about him. It is not a question of waiting until they see who he really is – millions of people have already seen who he is. They know he is racist, they know he con-

Volunteering Spring is here, and as people busy themselves with various seasonal garden activities, I once again take a step back and hope that my English garden will survive another year of neglect. I speak from experience when I say that gardening is not my thing – which is why it was with some surprise that I found myself a member of the local churchyard gardening team some years back. I had attended a charity wine tasting evening and – not wanting to seem uncharitable – I had tasted a lot of wine. I remember at some point talking to a member of the church committee – a mild-mannered and seemingly harmless man – about their need for more volunteers. The next thing I knew, it was the following morning, and I was standing amongst a jumbled array of ancient gravestones in the blazing sun with a headache and a petrol strimmer strapped to my chest.

dones violence – that is why they vote for him. He speaks to a simplistic ‘taking matters into your own hands’ narrative, a certain ‘there’s a new sheriff in town’ idea – a small town logic. And millions apparently think that planet Earth is a tiny town in a western movie and that the new sheriff is going to straighten them goddamn villains out, so that the good, ordinary folks can get on with it. It is as if a TV series called America were on its very last season and the writers of the series just went all-in crazy. It is going to end anyhow, so let us go nuts. Maybe some of Donald Trump’s crazy statements will even turn out to come true. We laugh when Trump says he will make Mexico pay for the wall between Mexico and the US. Ha! Yeah, right! Why would Mexico want to pay for that? But come to think of it, I am guessing a lot of Mexicans feel the same way I do: I would favour any wall as long as it has Donald Trump and his supporters on the other side of it.

By Maria Smedstad

My presence on the team was not entirely wasted. While I am terrible at gardening, it turns out that I am a good demolisher. This was a good thing, let loose on the jungle-like churchyard. Additionally, I was cheered on by the fact that – this being England – I was promised not one but two breaks with free refreshments. Unfortunately – this being England – the first of these consisted of scalding hot tea, which just made me sweat more, and the second consisted of lukewarm ale, the intake of which unfortunately made me sign up to further village-based voluntary activities. It seems likely that large parts of British society are based on this method of recruitment. Personally, and despite my own somewhat reluctant involvement, I think this should be applauded.

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 version of Have I Got News For You and Room 101.

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.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 95

Photo: Carl Thorborg

Scan Magazine | Culture | Louise Peterhoff

Louise Peterhoff in Chekhov’s Platonov, directed and adapted by Alexander Mörk-Eidem, Peterhoff’s husband, at Stockholm City Theatre. Photo: Carl Thorborg.

Photo: Petra Hellberg

From rock ‘n’ roll to Nordic Noir Nordic Noir fans will primarily know Louise Peterhoff as Annika Melander from the third season of the hit series The Bridge. Now she has reappeared on screens throughout the UK as the leading lady in Sweden’s latest Nordic Noir offering: the political crime series Blue Eyes. Scan Magazine spoke to the Swedish actor about xenophobia on screen, turning her back on an avant-garde lifestyle, and portraying a psychopathic oddball. By Linnea Dunne | Press photos

“I used to start the day with a cigarette and coffee and a Nutella sandwich, and I thought it was brilliant,” reminisces Louise Peterhoff. Classically trained at what she describes as a hard core ballet school from the age of ten, she struggled with the old-fashioned nature of the field and left in search of more avantgarde art forms. She found her match

in the multi-artistic performance group Needcompany in Brussels, known for giving performers the opportunity to examine their own personal artistic work. “I was blown away,” she continues. “In more traditional genres of performance art, you’re always either-or. This was so much more loose: you could be an actor and dance really badly, and you were

allowed to do stuff you didn’t quite master; it was punky that way. And there’s an artistic value in that. Something interesting happens when you do something you’re not quite able for.” Yet as time went on things changed and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle did not seem quite as attractive anymore. “I had a child and was there in Brussels with its super polluted air pushing a swing – it just wasn’t all that amazing anymore,” says Peterhoff. So she returned to Sweden and, having had the opportunity to explore working with words and drama during her time in the artist collective, decided to give theatre a proper chance. After a year at the Stockholm Academy Issue 87 | April 2016 | 97

Scan Magazine | Culture | Louise Peterhoff

of Dramatic Arts, she got a permanent job at the renowned Stockholm City Theatre. She had finally become an actor, truly and fully. Political prophecy While Peterhoff had acted professionally on screen before, among other things as Krista in the SVT teen drama S.P.U.N.G., it was when she secured the role as leading lady Elin Hammar in SVT’s political thriller series Blå Ögon (Blue Eyes) that she developed a real appreciation for film and TV. “There’s a lot of performance anxiety involved with doing smaller roles. You don’t know anyone, you’ve only ever met the real stars for five minutes here and there, and creating something truly intimate is really challenging.

To be completely honest, I didn’t really get the charm with filming before,” she says. “To then work with a team and have this big role for nine months – it was amazing. Suddenly I got it!”

Blue Eyes was written just after the xenophobic Sweden Democrats more than doubled their share of the vote in 2014, with a total 12.9 per cent. The political crime thriller sees Elin Hammar, the head of staff at the Ministry of Justice, research the disappearance of her predecessor during an election campaign. The script simultaneously deals with extremist terrorism and the rise of the extreme right. The show received 89 official complaints, both from those who thought that the

extremists were portrayed in too positive a light and from Sweden Democrat sympathisers who felt that they were unfairly depicted. “It’s a sign of success, I think, and vouches for the writer’s ability to communicate what is really such a complex thing. To portray a terrorist group in a humane way, it’s arguably quite a scary balancing act, but it definitely would have been a wasted effort if it hadn’t led to some debate,” says Peterhoff. “Reading the script was like stepping right into the present day, and that’s what was so powerful about it. I’m so sick of crime thrillers where some female corpse is discovered and someone’s been murdered through some sex ritual – there’s

Leading lady Elin Hammar in Blue Eyes.

98 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Scan Magazine | Culture | Louise Peterhoff

Louise Peterhoff as Annika Melander in The Bridge. Photo: Carolina Romare.

a lot of really bad drama out there. So to get a script with real social commentary felt like a luxury.”

er hand, it’s very different. It happened so quickly.”

Elin Hammar is one of those leading ladies Nordic Noir fans have started to get used to: ambitious, career focused, hard working, and emotionally quite a closed book. “She has a tough background and doesn’t really let people in,” says Peterhoff. “I chose to play with what she doesn’t show: there’s a lot in there but not a whole lot comes out. It takes a bit of time to get to know her.” The minister for justice is somewhat of a father figure to Hammar, and as her real father turns up it becomes apparent why – a sidetrack Peterhoff found interesting.

Off the back of Blue Eyes, Peterhoff was approached about auditioning for one of the major characters in season three of The Bridge, directed by Henrik Georgsson who also worked on Blue Eyes. In addition to giving Peterhoff yet another break through, this time beyond Sweden’s borders, the chance to play Annika Melander was a way for the actor not to get put in a box. “I’d always played rockier roles in the past, but after Blue Eyes people had me down as this slightly more serious, legal type of character,” she says. “So I was delighted when I got to do Annika, such a wonderfully unrestricted woman, so fundamentally different from Elin. A few times I left the set thinking ‘wow, I definitely enjoyed that way too much, that will look over-acted’.”

It is the political relevance of the show that the actor finds the most fascinating. “The fact that the script worked almost as a prophecy is just mind-boggling,” she says. “Even if the political parties in the show are fictional, you only have to look at the Sweden Democrats now to see the relevance. A few years ago, when they got their first seats in parliament, the other parties wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole. Now, on the oth-

Acting a psychopath

She reflects on the experience of impersonating such a complex, borderline psychopathic character, suspected for a couple of episodes of being the serial killer of the season. “I didn’t want to judge Annika’s behaviour – I wanted to under-

stand why she did what she did,” she says. “It got to a stage where it became completely natural, so when we were filming there was no doubt in my mind why she acted like that. Looking back, I can almost feel embarrassed, because she’s such a pain. But yeah, I do love playing odd characters.” Next up for Peterhoff is time off, or at least time with the few-week-old bundle of joy who is asleep in the room next door. After the summer, a stint at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm awaits. “I guess if I could dream big, it would be nice if off the back of Blue Eyes and The Bridge I could do some work in England,” she says, adding that compliments on her language skills suggest that her English should stand the test. Then she pauses. “But you know, I’m quite happy with my suburban life here in Hornstull. I’m content with my non-rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.”

Blue Eyes is currently airing on More4 in the UK. If you missed the first few episodes, you can catch up on All4. com/WalterPresents.

Issue 87 | April 2016 | 99

Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Music

Scandinavian music Swedish producer Konstantin has just released his debut single, and has already made quite an impact with it. A collaboration with his fellow Swede Ayla Shatz, Paper – a stunning piano ballad with a twisted production – is made all the more ear-catching thanks to Ayla’s fragile, child-like vocal. It is giving me the same vibes that Norway’s Alan Walker gave me with Faded – a song currently doing big things in the UK after being a hit all over Europe. Hopefully Konstantin will turn out to be another reason why even more of the world is looking to Scandinavia for its pop music in 2016. Swedish legend Laleh has turned up on the brand new single from American Idol alumni Adam Lambert. Adam is no stranger to working with Swedes, given that he can thank Max Martin for most of his transatlantic hits. But Welcome to the Show with Laleh is one of his finest

By Karl Batterbee

– and Laleh’s first real shot at breaking it in America too. Following on from her massive debut single, Ur Cool, last year, Finnish pop newcomer SAARA finally follows it up with new single I Do. It is a beauty of a synthpop belter – one that would not sound out of place on the last Carly Rae Jepsen or Taylor Swift albums. I Do was written with the same team behind Sweden’s reigning Eurovision winner, Heroes. The young prince of Swedish pop, Eric Saade, returns with the release of brand new single Colors – though this time he has reinvented himself as an artist and returned with a whole new sound, a darker and more electronic sound, like you have never heard him before. He wrote it in collaboration with Joakim Andrén and brothers Gustaf and Viktor Norén, and the result is an ’80s-inspired, dreamy synthpop track which breaks into a star-lit frol-

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ic in time for the chorus and post-chorus. It is an enthralling listen in which we fittingly get to hear him declare that he has gone “from black and white to colours”. www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@gmail.com

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Emilia Mårtensson. Photo: Chris Hyson.

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here! Emilia Mårtensson (20 April) London-based Swedish vocalist and composer Emilia Mårtensson has a reputation for being one of the most exciting young vocalists on the UK jazz scene. She will curate this evening, which will include vocalist Lauren Kinsella and percussionist Adriano Adewale. 606 Club, London, SW10. 606club.co.uk

Festival of Political Photography 2016: Homeland (Until 30 April) Why do the words ‘home’ and ‘land’ sound and feel good, while ‘homeland’ refers to something restricted, nationalistic and even prejudiced? During the 2016 Festival of Political Photography, this theme will be discussed in relation to mental and geographical areas and landscapes, and in relation to belonging to them and losing them. In our time,

homeland tends to be defined through the lack, or loss, of a homeland. It is often also defined through restricting and controlling the movements of people. Featuring Miia Autio, Laura Böök and Tuomo Manninen, to mention a few. Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. The Finnish Museum of Photography, The Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1G, Helsinki. www.valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi

Magnus Öström (April/May) Acclaimed Swedish drummer Magnus Öström will be touring Europe with his band this spring. www.magnusostrom.com

Closer – Intimacies in Art (Until 8 May) This exhibition is about intimacy, the intimate space, and how artists from many periods – ranging from 1730 to

By Sara Schedin

1930 – have sought to capture the private and the intimate through close observations of people, nature and the rooms in which we live. It includes a number of very prominent loans: major works by artists such as Edward Hopper, Edvard Munch and Edgar Degas. It also presents selected works from the SMK’s own collection, including art by Jens Juel, Nicolai Abildgaard, Vilhelm Hammershøi and Anna Ancher. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, Wed 11am-8pm. National Gallery of Denmark, Sølvgade 48-50, Copenhagen. www.smk.dk

Swedish Contemporary Glass Art (Until 8 May) Swedish glass now finds itself in a transformational period characterised by a strong vitality in its multitude of new creative expressions. With a shrinking glass industry as its point of departure, there is Issue 87 | April 2016 | 101

Scan Magazine | Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar

a shift of focus to new areas. Today’s output of Swedish glass is no longer based on the production of the old large-scale establishments, but rather the result of artistic experimentation within conceptual art, artistic research and the new perspectives and redefinitions of the material properties of glass. This exhibition highlights the innovative tendencies of contemporary Swedish glass and examines glass as a material and practice. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Millesgården, Herserudsvägen 32, Stockholm. www.millesgarden.se

Silent Revolt. Ingvild Krogvig, Pustende ballong, 1989. Photo: Inghild Karlsen.

Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts Stravinsky (15 May) An evening of music where Finnish composer Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonic Orchestra treat the audience to the tones of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, The Symphonies of Wind Instruments and Agon. Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

and commodity, and who with their silent revolt paved the way for today’s artistic practices. Tue, Wed & Fri 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-7pm, Sat & Sun 12noon-5pm. The Museum of Contemporary Art, Bankplassen 4, Oslo. www.nasjonalmuseet.no

Sakari Oramo and the BBC SO (21 May) Finn Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Bartók’s Violin Concerto No 2 and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. The evening opens with a premiere from the composer Joseph Phibbs. Barbican Centre, London, EC2Y. www.barbican.org.uk

Anna Ancher (1859-1935), The Artist’s Mother Ane Hedvig Brøndum in the Blue Room, 1909, Statens Museum for Kunst.

Edvard Munch (1863-1944) The Kiss IV, 1902, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Silent Revolt: Norwegian Process Art and Conceptual Art in the ‘70s and ‘80s (Until 18 Sept) Towards the end of the 1960s, conceptual art emerged as a new radical art movement on the international art scene. However, in the writing of Norwegian art history, conceptual art has been conspicuously missing and the movement has never been presented through exhibitions of any great scope. With Silent Revolt, the museum aims to reassess the view of conceptual art as a vacuum in Norwegian recent history. The exhibition sheds light on the pioneers who, in the 1970s and ‘80s, challenged the status of the work of art as both aesthetic object 102 | Issue 87 | April 2016

Silent Revolt. Audun Sørsdal, Mot sort, 1982. Photo: Audun Sørsdal.

Laura Böök, from the series Walking on Rivers, 2013-2014. Photo: Laura Böök.

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