Three days around the summer solstice to celebrate design and turn creativity into a lived experience. In Copenhagen, 3daysofdesign is a citywide fair — this year spread across eight themed districts — that has managed to establish itself as one of the most anticipated and respected events in the industry: loved by visitors and, even more so, by an increasing number of international exhibitors.
“We believe a design festival should be more than just product launches. Our goal is to promote knowledge-sharing, networking, dialogue, debate, innovative ideas, and personal insights,” explains Signe Byrdal Terenziani, who founded 3daysofdesign 12 years ago with the initial support of four partner companies: Montana, Erik Jørgensen (now owned by Fredericia Furniture), Anker & Co, and Kvadrat. The first edition, back in 2013, was held in an old harbor warehouse.
The fair has grown so much it now rivals far more established events. The “Danish Fuorisalone” encourages meaningful relationships, exploration, and presence — an ethos reflected in this year’s theme: Keep it real.
In just three days, press and professionals can be served traditional matcha tea by the COO of a Japanese brand (Daisuke Hironaka from Stellar Works), take part in a poetry workshop about light (Nuura), dine in the orangery of the royal gardens (hosted by Fritz Hansen and Michael Anastassiades), or have lunch aboard a boat cruising through the city’s canals (with Philipp Materna from Ferm Living). These are ideal moments to speak casually with designers and entrepreneurs. A luxury? Maybe. But design itself is heading in this direction — albeit along many different paths.
Despite the impressive numbers — 45,000 visitors, 600 exhibitions, and 400 brands — 3daysofdesign retains a laid-back atmosphere. Everything is within walking distance, a short bike ride, or a few metro stops. On the street, at presentations, or at Palae bar (nicknamed “Copenhagen’s Bar Basso” for the sheer number of Italians), it’s not unusual to bump into the CEO and founder herself. Signe Byrdal Terenziani is welcoming and elegant, wearing floral-print dresses that express the new Nordic summer better than any words — a season accelerated, of course, by climate change.
While 3daysofdesign is an inclusive, human-scale event, it remains mostly geared toward industry professionals. As many Italian companies in attendance reaffirm — including Carpanese Home, Foscarini, Fenix, Alpi, and Molteni&C — the audience is global and focused on both design and product. No distractions from fashion or automotive, no mega installations, and, crucially, no queues. Just a touch of food and food design — which, in this case, only makes the experience more memorable.