Audo Copenhagen launches its inaugural Japanese showroom

Images courtesy of Audo Copenhagen

Opening its doors to the public on 16 February 2024, Audo Copenhagen has stepped quietly into the Japanese market with a serene Tokyo showroom. Joining another longstanding outpost in Tribeca, New York, Audo Tokyo marks the brand’s second international venture in one of the world’s most established and well-renowned design capitals.

With a selection of curated furniture, décor and lighting provided by Danielle Siggerud, Colin King and long-time collaborators Norm Architects, the exhibition space delivers the minimal, earthy palettes and clean lines we come to expect from quintessential Scandi design. However, weaved in are nods to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, such as Norm Architects’ Hashira Collection, a range of tubular linen lights inspired by rice paper lanterns.

The immersive, sensory-led showroom also combines this timeless, organic palette – so strongly associated with the Scandi aesthetic – with modernist accents such as mid-century occasional chairs and modular coffee tables. This brings Audo’s signature blend of heritage Nordic design and contemporary touches to the fore, while helping the showroom paint the picture of a calm domestic scene.

An open-plan layout aids the free-flowing, human-centric experience that lies instore for visitors, with a quiet living area leading into an informal coffee counter placed at the centre of the store, aimed to encourage a welcoming, community feel. Natural textures are also incorporated with an array of Gravel Rugs by Nina Bruun, with final domestic flourishes including carefully placed houseplants and an array of luxury scented candles.

Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, Brand and Design Director at Audo Copenhagen, expands on their aesthetic kinship with Japan. “Renowned for its deep appreciation of Nordic design and unwavering commitment to quality, Japan shares many of the same sensibilities as Denmark— traditional aesthetics, modern design principles and a strong emphasis on functionality, simplicity and quality craftsmanship.” Celebrating these shared sensibilities, the Tokyo launch event included creative conversations between Hensel, Frederik Werner and Japanese designer and Audo collaborator, Keiji Ashizawa, with hopes that the showroom will continue to act as a hub for more design exhibitions and cultural events for the local community.