THEME: Design and Innovation in Architecture

For centuries, design has solved problems or changed something inadequate. In recent years, a new and distinctive stakeholder has joined the design process: sustainability.

According to Jörg Schmitt, interior designer and art director at the German materials agency raumprobe, sustainability is shaping both the era we live in and the design which adorns it.

>> Read the interview with Jörg Schmitt

The Kasper Salin Prize is the most prestigious award in Swedish architecture.

Katarina O Cofaigh, senior advisor at Architects Sweden, talks about the award and what has been crucial for buildings to receive it over the years.

>> Read the interview

A well-designed building is more sustainable because the users will take better care of it. But superior design can be difficult to certify. To remedy this, DGNB has developed a special distinction called DGNB Diamond.

The CEO of DGNB, Dr. Christine Lemaitre, explains how DGNB Diamond celebrates exceptional aesthetics and architectural quality in a building.

>> Read the interview with Dr. Christine Lemaitre

When we experience a meaningful merger of function and aesthetics, it increases our well-being. This is shown by research from Australia, for example.

Architectural beauty and design play such a major role that they are weighted in the US WELL Building Standard, which focuses on health and well-being.

>> Read about the importance of beautiful design

For over 100 years, the City of Copenhagen has presented a building award for particularly distinguished buildings and urban environments.

Meet Copenhagen’s City Architect Camilla van Deurs, who explains how the city’s architecture has changed over time – and see the winning projects from spring 2020.

>> Read interview with city architect

The line of Troldtekt design solutions has garnered many awards since its launch in 2019: An ICONIC Award and a German Design Award – and also as finalist in the Danish Design Award. In autumn 2020, the line will have the chance to take home a German materialPREIS award.

Read about the solutions and watch the video, where Troldtekt’s in-house architect, Michael Christensen, shares his thoughts behind the design line.

>> More about Troldtekt design solutions

Sustainability, a shared use of everyday products and a fascination for natural materials such as wood.

Those are some of the future trends within interior design, according to German Design Council’s CEO, Andrej Kupetz.

>> Read the interview with Andrej Kupetz

At Restaurant Strandtangen in the Danish town of Skive, honest Nordic food goes hand in hand with an elegant and stylish interior.

The centrepiece is the black acoustic ceilings with milled grooves, which create a very special atmosphere.

>> Take a look at the inspiring restaurant

Raw concrete has been styled using exclusive products to create the UniqueRoom furniture, interior & art store.

The store is all about design that stands out from the crowd. That is why the owner chose Troldtekt design solutions.

>> Visit the unique store 

The Sticks’n’Sushi restaurant in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, is the chain’s most Japanese eatery to date in terms of the interior design.

The Troldtekt rhomb design solution ensures pleasant acoustics and an inviting atmosphere with its soft materiality and visual pattern.

>> Visit the restaurant

Innovation is part and parcel of the work of ar-
chitects. The words are those of Lone Wiggers, a partner of the architectural firm C.F. Møller.

The architects live by the credo that all new design projects must include elements of innovation, but always based on a thorough understanding of and respect for the existing solutions, the character of the building and the client’s keenness to explore new avenues.

Andreas and his family moved from the USA to a very nice flat in the heart of Copenhagen. It was not until after they moved in that they realised how poor the acoustics were – a major problem for Andreas who suffers from hearing loss.

Watch Andreas explain how floating acoustic clouds and sound-absorbing art on the walls have created a peaceful home environment. You can also hear the Danish trend expert Mads Arlien-Søborg’s views on the new acoustic solution designed for the flat.

What materials are currently on the rise in global architecture? And how can a specific material help to unite design and function?

David Basulto is an architect and chief editor and co-founder of the world's most visited architecture website, ArchDaily. Hear his thoughts on current trends in international building design. 

The nature and culture centre in Krik, set among the harsh but bright west Jutland coastal landscape, has just won the WOOD WOOL AWARD™ 2015. The building was designed by Force4 Architects, and features modest, clear geometry and simple materials.

The rugged materials highlight the impacts of the sea and wind on the site: concrete, wood, sinus panels. The walls and eight-metre-high vaulted ceiling of the large common room have been elegantly clad with white painted ultrafine structure Troldtekt panels.