"a new type of meeting place" by Natasha Muirhead // Designer's Perspective
My name is Natasha Muirhead and I am one of the Designers here at No Chintz. On a trip to Denmark earlier this year I visited a space which really caught my attention, not simply because of the interior design but due to the unique visitor experience. There was a tangible sense of inclusivity, experimentation and action within this converted church, which was home to a new breed of community space. It seemed as though it had been truly successful in inspiring individuals to come together and uniting disparate members of the locality, in a way that is becoming evermore rare in our somewhat segregated society.
The current notion of ‘The Community Centre’ in Britain today conjures images of sparse and sterile spaces, transient and without personality. Church halls where pensioners or new mums congregate in circles on stackable plastic chairs, eating custard creams and talking about the weather. Innovation seems to be absent in these non-spaces, and design and communication are seemingly low on the list of priorities, creating inevitable disengagement with younger audiences. However, the rise of a new type of meeting place - ‘The Contemporary Community House’ exists elsewhere and could potentially breathe life into this outdated model- inspiring participation from all demographics and promoting a neighbourhood feel which unites and benefits all age groups.
Folkehuset Absalon, affectionately known as ‘ an extension of your living room’ was founded in 2015 by Lennart and Sus Lajboschitz (the Danish entrepreneurs behind Tiger Stores) and inhabits the building that was formerly Absalon Church in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Their mission is simple - to create ‘a space where people connect with each other by doing things together.’
This notion is reinforced with immediacy upon entering the main hall, where guests are met with a row of ping pong tables, giving the instantaneous impression of activity and interaction. The former church has been re-imagined by architects ‘Arcgency’ who cited that the existing nature of the building was the first obstacle to overcome. Upon crossing the threshold, visitors were instinctively inclined to fall silent and bow their heads, as is expected when you navigate a church; completely the opposite feeling and environment Lennart and Sus wanted to cultivate. To combat this, the studio removed all heavy stone relief depicting religious scenes and adopted a bright and eye-catching colour scheme, working alongside Danish artist Tal R, highlighting protrusions and reliefs within the structure of the building. It then became a space for all, disregarding political beliefs and religious denominations and instead promoting a universal sense of explosive optimism.
In terms of graphic design, an amusing visual identity incorporates hammy collages depicting 1970’s inspired dinner party food and honest hand drawn illustrations. These are used lavishly throughout both their online and offline platforms, a playful nod to connotations of the out-dated and amateur community centre of the past. Upon viewing their calendar however, it is clear that they are programming a varied and somewhat avant-garde range of events, offering a selection of creative activities and exercise for all age groups including six types of yoga, running clubs, Lino printing, Art & Wine and even contemporary dance classes, such as ‘Iconic Dance- *NSYNC Vs Backstreet Boys.’
In order to make Absalon feel like home, and ultimately an extension of your living room, unassuming vintage furniture pieces have been sourced and personal belongings and beautiful things dress the space. The conscious decision to have flowers on the table and crockery which could break instills a sense of ownership and responsibility with guests. This filters through to users attitudes, where by second nature you find yourself taking back dirty plates to the bar and being accountable for maintaining the space.
The thing Folkehuset Absalon is most renowned for is the ‘Fællesspisning’ or Communal Dinner. This is hosted every single day of the year, gathering up to 200 people each time. Parties and individuals sit together at the long tables, and the menu of the day is shared from large platters at each table. You might have to ask your neighbour to pass you the bread, and in return pass the salad, just like at home. The meal is deliberately simple and affordable, in an attempt to be highly inclusive and accessible. In a technology driven world where social isolation is becoming an epidemic amongst both the young and the old, the concept of this shared moment has particular significance, and potentially has the ability to spark unexpected symbiotic value.
Words by
Natasha Muirhead, Interior Designer