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    • Lifestyle

    We’re crushing over Danish design brand Menu’s collaboration with Norm Architects

    JUL 26, 2020 | By Paahini Agarwal
    Detailed shot of the library at The Audo in Copenhagen; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    Another view of the library hints at its Scandinavian influences; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    Seen here is Menu's Nimbus mirror; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    A cosy shot of one of many seating arrangements; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    Featured here is Fend, a monochromatic artwork by American artist Benjamin Ewing; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    The hotel doubles up as a showroom and headquarters for Danish brand Menu; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    Eros, another artwork by artist Benjamin Ewing, is seen on the wall; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    The Audo is replete with rich textures and soothing patterns; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    Contemporary Scandinavian design is seen throughout the property; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
    The place is designed to enhance and enable collaboration between people; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

    The Audo is a unique concept that reflects the rapidly changing intersection of home, work and hospitality in a single, community-building universe in Copenhagen. Danish design brand Menu and Norm Architects have collaborated to create a space that unites coworking and event facilities, a cafe, restaurant and concept store, as well as an exclusive hotel residence through design, making transitions from one area to another seamless, inspiring and pleasurable.

    The property gets its moniker from the Latin Ab Uno Disce Omnes, which translates to “From one, learn all” and reflects Menu’s founding philosophy of collaborative spirit. The project was headed by Bjarne Hansen, the brand’s former CEO and founder, and conceived in partnership with Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects. Nathan Williams from the leading lifestyle publication Kinfolk led the creative direction, bringing a global perspective.

    Dedar Milano fabrics are used for upholstery and drapes at The Audo; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

    This establishment occupies a 1918 structure, originally built to house the headquarters of the Russian Trading Co Ltd. “The facade references a period of time when buildings in Copenhagen were inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, entering the early dawn of modernism. The interiors were a rational and industrial concrete structure. This allowed us to transform the building rather freely,” says Peter Eland, one of the lead architects. 

    The library at The Audo; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

    Eland adds, “We went on to create a multifunctional and combined area that required different kinds of circulation, acoustics and ventilation for its various purposes. Fitting all these functions and mechanical services into a historic building of 27,000 sq ft was probably the biggest challenge.”

    Cane armchairs are used in the living space; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

    The neo baroque structure features an inspiring mix of original features and thoughtful new accompaniments. Products from 20 premium global brands have been mixed and matched with Menu’s comprehensive range of furniture, lighting and accessories. Indeed, visitors can purchase anything they like here—each product used on the floor up to the ceiling is available for sale. This adds another dimension to the space as a furniture showroom.  

    The spaces are formed using varied fabrics, wood and marble; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

    Each and every product at The Audo is experienced in new and authentic ways, redefining the use of design and ultimately, how people connect with one another. Its interiors are minimalist and contemporary with a light and neutral colour palette that makes the whole place feel calm and inviting. It is these features that hint to The Audo being a testament to the future of design. 

    Scroll to see more images from The Audo in Copenhagen…

    Bed by Dux at The Audo Residence; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    The Mamosa large wooden sculpture by British artist Nicholas Shurey; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    This multidisciplinary establishment also serves as a furniture showroom to 20 premium global brands; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    The bathrooms are stocked with organic cotton towels from Tekla; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    Wooden bookholders from Livrest are used in the library; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    The space is loved for its minimalism, aesthetics and functionality; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    A light, neutral colour palette ensures that The Audo is calming and inviting; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    The Audo is decked with a number of sculptural accents; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    Roomy chairs and soft fabrics are seen all across the property; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen

     

    The Audo gets ample natural light owing to large, floor-to-ceiling windows; Photographs by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen