Take an exclusive tour through Copenhagen’s latest design destination,
Danish design frontrunners
The Audo was conceived by Bjarne Hansen, founder and former CEO of MENU, with a vision to connect kindred spirits of the international art and design community. Together with principal architects
Taking its name from the Latin ‘Ab Uno Disce Omnes’, meaning ‘from one, learn all’, The Audo amalgamates refined Nordic design, work-life, hospitality and community. Fortunate to be one of the first guests to experience The Audo, we sought a personal tour with Norm Architects architect and partner Peter Eland to learn the intricacies of Copenhagen’s unique design hub.
The Audo was founded as a platform for creative work, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of design. The overall concept focused on redefining how we use design, space and connect with each other, while authentically integrating MENU’s portfolio of furniture, lighting and accessories.
Located in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, a former industrial harbour, The Audo building was originally built to house the headquarters of Russian Trading Co. Ltd in 1918. Peter says the area goes by the name of the ‘red village’, characterised by red rendered buildings and formerly populated by containers and shipyards. “This whole development is anchored in this historical context,” Peter explains. “The residential neighbourhood surrounding The Audo is only three and a half years old, but it already feels like an established part of the city.”
Part of an exciting chapter in Copenhagen’s history, The Audo is a considered evolution for its new district. “There has been a lot of deliberation as to how the area would take shape with restaurants, design shops and now The Audo,” Peter says. “We wanted to explore a new way of designing a showroom for MENU, their headquarters and a boutique hotel that offers something to the neighbourhood and the city itself.
When doing the initial sketches with fellow Norm Architects partner
The Audo’s entry is nothing short of grand, featuring an arresting staircase that can be used to create an auditorium in the reception and cafe area. “When first entering The Audo, we wanted to reflect the hard, industrial tone of the area. But as you walk through the building it becomes softer, more domestic until you reach the residence.” Peter says. “This shift works throughout the building horizontally and vertically.”
The heritage restrictions only applied to the building’s facade, so Norm Architects were able to open the building up, while introducing larger, lowered windows. “We tried to open the building up, but at the same time, create these different zones,” Peter affirms.
“Every time you turn a corner there’s a new cosy area you can sit, but you always have this visual connection to people; wherever you are, except for when you’re in the hotel suites, it’s really about seeing people interacting,” Peter says. The cafe and reception area lets guests enjoy a coffee or breakfast while seated among MENU’s objects, where as Peter says, guests and MENU’s team can work in an immersive, fluid environment.
The Audo Concept space is a beautiful compilation of premium Nordic brands, where one can peruse everything from stationary to cushions and crockery. Designed as a living gallery, the curated selection of brands, products and art pieces spans both established and emerging creative work that exude quality, innovation and craftsmanship. “The concept store is constantly changing, curated with new and old objects. We change the furniture according to the seasons and the artist exhibiting,” Peter says.
The Audo Concept collaborators include
Above the staircase is The Audo’s material library; a source of inspiration for guests, architects and designers. As the little black book of The Audo’s brand partners, the material library includes a collection of fabrics,
The Audo Residence comprises of 10 unique guest rooms, varying in size and each designed with a unique colour story. As an extension of the MENU showroom, no two suites are the same and reminiscent of a collector’s home.
Each suite is designed with specific wall colours, furniture arrangements, soft furnishings, bathroom finishes and hand-picked art pieces. Original timber beams, rich wall plaster colours and tactile finishes characterise these design sanctuaries, ranging from terracotta to sand; all closely connected to the Danish landscape.
“Our use of colour has slowly increased, but as we’ve shown through The Audo Residence, we always take inspiration from natural materials, sticking to an earthy, warm palette,” Peter outlines. With exception to the cathedral-like penthouse, the spacious suites are marked by wooden box panelling that extend from the Dinesen boards – an outstanding exhibit of craftsmanship – concealing the bathroom.
A testimony to the future of design, The Audo is embedded in the true power of authenticity, community and creative collaboration through its revered Danish design patrons, Norm Architects, MENU and Kinfolk.
The post