Thank you again for joining us this past summer at 3daysofdesign. We hope you were inspired by our DARE TO DREAM theme, which explored how dreams embolden us to think the unthinkable, and to pursue ideas that are seemingly impossible.

We dream of leveraging design as a catalyst for positive change, to support a more sustainable and inclusive future. In that spirit, we hope you felt a sense of belonging with people who share a passion for design. Because beyond being a showcase for brands and products, our overall desire with 3daysofdesign is to create meaningful moments. 

The dreams shared by our exhibitors, as diverse as they are, actually show that we all share a collective dream. A longing for design that brings dignity, a commitment to protect the planet, and ideas anchored in creating a cohesive sense of community. They are all doable dreams revolving around the potential of design to foster a shared sense of wellbeing. Proving that we’re never truly alone in this journey of life.

As the year comes to an end, we reflect on the lessons we take with us into 2025. 

Take your time

Our Design Walks took guests behind the scenes to visit exhibitors at a slower pace. The tours are a new concept introduced this summer, along with our curated design guides, which sold out in a matter of hours. Demonstrating that slowness can encourage more involvement in the design process, and an openness to new ideas and experiences.

Leaning into slow design, many of the exhibitions emphasised the importance of taking time. Time to consider the social, environmental, and ethical implications of design. Time to delve deeper into the creative process to gain new insights. And time to craft conscious solutions that benefit people and the planet

Empathy & inclusivity

At 3daysofdesign, community–driven initiatives lie at the core of our own concept. As an exclusive festival that’s inclusive of everyone to visit, we continue to applaud initiatives that advocate a more equitable world.

That’s why we were so pleased to see exhibitors celebrating cultural differences and putting importance on empathy. Factors which underscore design’s instrumental role in nurturing communities that reflect a broader spectrum of society. An approach that champions diversity and inclusivity, which we are particularly passionate about protecting and promoting in the design industry.

It all comes full circle

Our COMMON GROUND Symposium was another new initiative this year, which facilitated discussions and debate about several issues relevant to our industry.

One of many thought–provoking questions that arose was: What is the cost to the planet of the chair you sit in? Part of the answer is to prioritise sustainable practices that contribute to a circular economy. Starting with more mindful consumption, more informed choices regarding materials, more responsible production methods, and more durable products. Where sustainability is no longer an option, it’s woven into the very fabric of our industry.

But what if we could take design further — beyond sustainability? What if we could make design regenerative? Self–sustaining, resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive over time. This would entail a re–think of design not as something static, but as dynamic. Evolving in harmony with our surroundings. It’s serious food for thought.

Learn from our COMMON GROUND Symposium speakers when they challenged us on crucial topics such as materials, community and human connection, ESG initiatives and what good design really means. We hope you learn as much as we did from our community.

Adding to our platforms for conversation and contemplation was our new podcast series Design Can Dream. The series is available on our website as an ongoing source of inspiration for you beyond our summer festival.

Thank you for dreaming with us in 2024

We are proud to have hosted so many brands that aspire to leave a legacy of protecting the planet for future generations, reflecting a deep commitment to ethical and environmental integrity. We hope their efforts inspire a collective effort to transform all these dreams — and more — into reality. 

Looking back on 2024, we feel more empowered than ever to create a better world. We have many more inspiring moments in store for you at our next 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen from 18 — 20 June 2025.

Hope to see you there!