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Interview

Dreaming of Materiality and Form

David Thulstrup wants to elevate our sense of place by blending the outer and inner spaces we inhabit.

Photographer:
©Jason Idris
Credits:
©Jason Idris
Credits:
©Jason Idris
Interview

Dreaming of Materiality and Form

David Thulstrup wants to elevate our sense of place by blending the outer and inner spaces we inhabit.

From the iconic restaurant space he created for Noma to his minimalist boutique for Mark Kenly Domino Tan Studio, the work of David Thulstrup's eponymous studio is immediately recognisable. Seamlessly integrating textures and surfaces that illuminate the character of any space, Thustrup's style is contextually sensitive, drawing bespoke techniques and raw materials into refined aesthetic harmony.

What's your dream?

I have many different dreams, small ones and bigger ones. One is a country house I can build and design with all my experience and design vision. Another is to design a hotel with a unique location in the deserts of Arizona or the fjords in Norway, which would also enable me to enage my experience with residential projects and hospitality projects.

How do you dream of contributing to the world?

I want to design environments, interiors, houses and hotels that elevate one's sense of a place and enrich the architectural journey and the experience of space. I want to contribute with design that endures for many generations to come, design that is rooted in materiality and form: the things that last.

What do you think the world needs more of? And less of?

Since we are in the realm of design and architecture, I think we need less architecture and design that is chasing trends. There are so many new-built environments that are rooted in trend and language rather than in form and materiality, in a connection between the in­door and exterior. I think we need to design with what is timeless in mind; to create better exteriors more generally, and to develop architecture that is anchored in a better connection between indoor and exterior.

Share your thoughts on the theme 'DARE TO DREAM.'

Dreaming is essential for all creative work. It is a privilege to collab­orate with clients who open up about their aspirations, as it enables me to apply my expertise and creativity to bring their dreams to life. My own dreams revolve around transforming projects and aiding clien­ts in creating their ideal environments. It is truly fulfilling to work with individuals who have bold ambitions – such as chefs conceptualising a new restaurant, or homeowners envisioning their dream house as I am able to be a part in shaping these visions.

Sustainable Design Effort
At 3daysofdesign, our commitment extends beyond showcasing the latest trends in interior design and furniture. We strive to facilitate meaningful discussions, debate, and actively contribute to pushing forward a more sustainable approach within the realm of interior design and furniture business. Join us in our mission to inspire positive change and promote a greener, more responsible future for the industry.

Events mentioned in this article

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Designers mentioned in this article

David Thulstrup
David Thulstrup is an award-winning architect and designer whose refined and holistic approach to architecture, interiors and product design combines his Scandinavian heritage with a modern design language. Describing his style as ‘modern simplicity’, David creates pared-back designs that feel current but will stand the test of time. This requires meticulous attention to detail, curiosity and ambition. Using diverse materials in an honest and thoughtful way is central as is functionality and tactility. To achieve a harmonious interplay between the architecture and the elements within, he often creates custom furniture and lighting.

Exhibitors mentioned in this article

Questions?

3daysofdesign is an exclusive event that's inclusive of everyone. Where the press, content creators, buyers, designers, architects and design enthusiasts, as well as the general public, are invited to experience new concepts from our curated selection of brands from Denmark and elsewhere around the world.

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Since its inception in 2013, Signe Byrdal Terenziani has facilitated the growth of the design community in her role as Managing Director. It all began as a small design event held in an old warehouse in Nordhavn, a harbour area overlooking Copenhagen’s waterfront. Four Danish brands launched the event as a joint initiative: Montana, Erik Jørgensen (now owned by Fredericia Furniture), Anker & Co, and Kvadrat. At that time, Copenhagen lacked a proper design festival, since the previous annual furniture fair at Bella Center closed down some years before.

Today, the 3daysofdesign festival extends to the entire city of Copenhagen and is considered the most significant annual design festival in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Each year since its inception, 3daysofdesign has grown in popularity exponentially. In 2024, over 400 brands exhibited at the festival, where over 45.000 visitors could choose from as many as 500 events to attend in various design districts across Copenhagen, such as design talks, product launches, networking, etc.

3daysofdesign takes place every year in Copenhagen mainly in showrooms and galleries during June, Wednesday to Friday. In 2025 the festival will be held from 18 — 20 June 2025.

Pack your bags, book a hotel and come to Copenhagen! 3daysofdesign is open to the general public and everyone is invited to visit the showrooms, exhibitions, workshops and design talks. All events are free of charge.

Please check the programme, which is updated on an ongoing basis, at 3daysofdesign.dk

You can look forward to seeing cutting-edge concepts from new and established names in lifestyle, design, furniture and interior design. Get a preview of new product launches. Learn about upcoming trends on the horizon. Meet the players behind forward-thinking ideas worth knowing. And network with like-minded people with a passion for design.

It's easy to get around in Copenhagen.

Rent a bike, jump on the bus or metro, catch a boat or simply walk from venue to venue. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, restaurants, cafes, shops and Copenhagen's relaxed vibe by day and vibrant night life.

Absolutely! Don't forget to download our app on your Android or iPhone. It provides a comprehensive view of all the festival events, including a complete list of exhibitions along with their locations on our interactive 3daysofdesign map. Plus, you can use our free QR ticket system for easy access to everything the festival has to offer.

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