Danish Designers Gather at '3daysofdesign'
Discussing Sustainable Design
"Mass-Produced, Storyless Objects Are Immediately Discarded"
"We Must Consider a Product's Fate 30 Years Later"
"Product sustainability is created within the subtle relationship between an object and its consumer. Items mass-produced in China or India fail to form any relationship with the consumer, so people do not care when they throw them away. Good design can create a relationship with the consumer."
Designers gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 19th (local time) for 3daysofdesign, the largest design festival in Northern Europe, discussing sustainable design. Photo by Lee Hyunju
On the 19th (local time), leading figures in the Danish design industry gathered to discuss the topic of "authentic design," a key issue in the design sector. The discussion was held during 3daysofdesign, the largest design festival in Northern Europe, in Copenhagen. Participants included Hans Tige, a representative of modern Danish furniture design, industrial designer Rikke Frost, emerging designer Lærke Lyuom, and Camilla Christensen, Design and Brand Director of the F+H Group. The panel was moderated by Maiken Karhave, Executive Director of Creative Denmark, an organization supporting Denmark’s creative industries.
Designer Hans Tige pointed out, "Too many objects are being produced and consumed that have no story?in other words, no design." He continued, "A sustainable design product is not just about the choice of materials; it must also contain a story. If there is no emotional resonance, there is no sustainability."
He added, "My mother passed away a year ago, and when my father and I were sorting through the house, we kept some things and discarded others. The items we kept were filled with memories." He explained, "Even if the things left behind were not outstanding designs, their materials, colors, and quality were combined with emotional value. Ultimately, that is the essence of sustainability."
Designers gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 19th (local time) for 3daysofdesign, the largest design festival in Northern Europe, discussing sustainable design. (From left) Maiken Karhave, Executive Director of Creative Denmark, designer Rikke Frost, and Hans Tige attending the discussion. Photo by Lee Hyunju
Director Christensen said, "Discussion about sustainability is absolutely necessary, and I agree 100% with its importance." However, she expressed regret, saying, "Even if we create products that consider every aspect?materials, design, function, durability?in a sustainable way, consumers still hesitate when they see the price tag." In response, moderator Karhave stated, "We need to encourage consumers to understand the value of good design and to be willing to pay for products that last longer."
Designer Lyuom shared the view that sustainability is the most important concept in both design ideas and the production process. He said, "Not only should we carefully select materials, but the design itself must be conceived so that it can be assembled and disassembled. When the product reaches the end of its use, it should be possible to take it apart for recycling, or to replace parts if they break." He emphasized, "There are various ways to achieve sustainability, but whichever approach is chosen, it must start from the very beginning, at the planning and design stage." He added, "I always think about how something can be reused."
Designer Frost also said that before creating a product, she deeply considers the materials for the sake of sustainability. She explained, "As a designer, what is right for me is to thoroughly consider which material to use for which purpose." She continued, "I ask myself, 'When this kitchen is old and useless 30 years from now, how can we recycle it well?' or 'Can this really be made in a meaningful way?' Creating emotional resonance is complex and difficult, but the best approach is to try various directions and carefully consider every step of the process."
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