As Denmark slowly reopens, More Space caught up with Copenhagen-based, Australian designer, Nikolai Kotlarczyk, to discuss the mood in Denmark and how he has been getting creative during lockdown, his latest projects including a new collection for SP01, and the importance of thinking locally and producing quality pieces that will move the world away from throw-away culture.
More Space: First of all, how are you and where have you been working for the past few months?
Nikolai Kotlarczyk: I am well. Life is pretty close to normal now in Denmark, so I am lucky enough to be back working in a close to normal way. I have been finishing off some projects over the last few months, my first collection for SP01 along with a lighting collection that will both be launched soon. I was also very close to finishing a project to show at Neocon in Chicago in June, but this has been cancelled for good reason.
What is the mood in Denmark, and how is the design and manufacturing industry faring?
The mood in Denmark now is very positive. We shut down really quick, probably the fastest in Europe. Due to this we have also been able to open up again before other countries. As I speak to you just about everything is back and operating, besides big gatherings. Within the industry I think there is confidence. The Danish government put in some good policies to help companies big and small, and self-employed people like me. I feel very lucky to be in Denmark during this crisis.
Portrait of Nikolai Kotlarczyk. Photography © Matthias Christensen.
How did this time of crisis impact you creatively?
I think the biggest thing during these times has been to follow the guidelines of the government, embrace what you can of the situation, help others if you can and stay safe. I am extremely privileged to be in a country and society that supports the entire population, so I have been allowed time for creativity. I think with time you want to get away from the computer and get your hands dirty, so to speak. I have been drawing a lot, more than normal. I have also started printmaking to get some pattern and texture ideas for a rug project.
Can you please describe a day for you during lockdown, what changes have you had to make to your practice and what have been the biggest challenges?
Now that work and school is back, I am working pretty close to normal. My partner works full-time so my son dictates a lot of my day. I spend my morning with him until he goes to daycare, then I spend the afternoon with him. It is summer here, so we go to the beach or forest in the afternoon. I guess the biggest change to my practice is not going out to see the craftspeople I work with and I have no travel plans for collaborations and exhibitions. A trip to Milan and Chicago have been cancelled over the last few months. however I am accustomed to working with companies from a distance so these new working methods are something I am used to.
Nikolai's home studio surrounded by sketches and finished works. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
"I have been working on my first collection for SP01 for the past few years and we are almost ready to show the world, so I am detailing and producing 3D models for this project."
Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Have any new design projects come out of this situation?
Potentially. I have been talking to my existing collaborators and I have had time to present ideas... so something may be cooking! I am surprised these companies are keen to push forward with new projects. I was a little worried that new projects would be hard to come by.
In what ways is the Scandanavia design community supporting one another and keeping positive at a local or digital level?
I know the companies I work with in Italy are really banding together to get their industry back up and running and in Denmark, collaboration and community are really big aspects of their DNA. Exhibitions are moving online, such as Mindcraft – the biggest Danish exhibition during Milan. I just saw today that the Chart Art Fair normally held in Copenhagen, is being spread throughout the Scandinavian countries and moving to an online platform. So the local scene is adapting like the rest of the world.
How have you been connecting with your collaborators, have you developed new ways of sharing ideas or nurturing serendipity?
As I said, I am used to working with collaborators from afar. I work with a number of Australian companies so the same difficulties with time difference and video conferencing remains. It is when we get to prototyping stage that is becomes more difficult but my current projects are either in the design stage or production phase, so time will tell how prototyping will change in the future.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have been working on my first collection for SP01 for the past few years and we are almost ready to show the world, so I am detailing and producing 3D models for this project. I am also finishing a few other projects including my first lighting collection. Other projects are more in ideation stage so I am drawing a lot and model making.
Nikolai's home base in Copenhagen designed by Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
Nikolai's living room includes his own pieces and those collected. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
The aluminium Fold chair by Nikolai Kotlarczyk developed from the study of single material production techniques. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
A selection of sketches, details, materials and prototypes. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
Inside Nikolai's apartment in Copenhagen which he shares with his wife and child. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
The Elemento solid glass mirror follows on from Nikolai's Scena collection. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
Inspiration, drawings and material sampling during the development of the Scena mirror collection. Photo c/o Nikolai Kotlarczyk.
"I have always tried to produce quality pieces that have a unique voice and steer away from the throw-away culture. I think being so much at home really shows you how the objects of your life affect you and bring you joy. I want to make products that people treasure for a long time."
Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Are any of your projects shifting in response to the crisis, and how?
I have had projects pushed back so things are shifting, but I am not sure in which way as of yet.
Isolation has forced us all to slow down and rethink things, what have you been thinking about?
I have been traveling a lot in the past few years, so as a family we are thinking more locally. We just bought a cargo bike with room for the family and great for beach trips and camping. We are also planning holidays in Denmark and really making the most of what we have around us. Copenhagen is a beautiful city so this is a pleasure. I have also finally set up my food garden on our balcony, growing as much as I can while living in an apartment, and drawing more, reading more, and taking things in at a slower, more considered pace.
What are the most important things that you have learnt during this pandemic, and how might they shape your practice once this is over?
Slow down. Consume within your means and think about the larger consequences of your actions for others and the environment. I have always tried to produce quality pieces that have a unique voice and steer away from the throw-away culture. I think being so much at home really shows you how the objects of your life affect you and bring you joy. I want to make products that people treasure for a long time. I want to enjoy the process of design and only produce things that have a resonance and a place within people's lives. Spending time with my family is really importantt, and the simple things... Eat well, live well.
Thank you for your time Nikolai, it was great talking to you.
The first SP01 collection designed by Nikolai Kotlarczyk will be released this year, so more news soon. SP01 Design is available exclusively in South East Asia from Space – Australia – and Space – Asia.
