John Ike is no stranger to the world of international architecture and design. Bringing four decades of experience to his role as partner at architecture and design firm Ike Baker Velten, John cites the legacy and regional inflections he’s seen on his years of travels as the primary influence for his design aesthetic, particularly the Italian and Scandinavian precedents.
Joining us for our Designer Travel series, John recounts his recent trips to Copenhagen and Stockholm, as he attends the 3daysofdesign Fair and connects with his Swedish roots.
Destination: Copenhagen
Month traveled: June
Duration of trip: 2 days
Temperature range: Mid 60’s, intermittent showers
Solo trip or a vacation with family/friends? Friends!
First visit or repeat destination? Repeat destination
What drew you to this locale? Copenhagen’s annual 3daysofdesign Fair.
The lodgings…
I stayed at an Airbnb in Nørrebro, a diverse and hip neighborhood northwest of the city centre. The home was a late 19th or early 20th Century 6-floor walkup with lots of windows and 3 rooms facing the street and 3 facing the garden.
Must-sees for design and architecture enthusiasts…
One of my favorites is Vilhelm Lauritzen Radiohuset, a tour de force of architecture and interior design. Designed as a national broadcast center, it features furniture and lighting designed by Lauritzen and his talented team. I also enjoy Væksthuset, an amazing restaurant set in the Opera Park. The green roof is supported by undulating glass walls, designed by COBE.
Photo courtesy of the Design Museum Denmark.
Postcard moment…
Traveling by bike is exhilarating and liberating.
Shopping for objects, furnishings, textiles, and more…
I went to a wonderful exhibit DMK (DanskMobiler) of current Japanese impasto paintings set amid midcentury Danish classic furniture.
Greatest takeaway from the trip…
I discovered the Studio Oliver Gustav and found early 20th-century paintings in the gallery.
Lasting influence…
Copenhagen always reinforces my love of Danish furniture and architecture, both ancient and modern.
Stay tuned for John’s trip to Stockholm! And read more of our Designer Travels stories here.
Cover photo courtesy of Clive Kim.
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