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: Stockholm
Month traveled: June
Duration of trip: 2 days
Temperature range: High 60s
Solo trip or a vacation with family/friends? Solo
First visit or repeat destination? Repeat destination, I’ve been coming here for 25 years regularly
What drew you to this locale?
I’m half Swedish so I feel affinity for Sweden, and Stockholm in particular. As an archipelago, it’s a fascinating setting of islands connected by a bridge, a setting for a city both modern and ancient. It has beautiful architecture, landscape, and civic design with much of the city on the water’s edge. It’s amazingly diverse with a truly international character.
The lodgings…
I stayed at Ett Hem. The hotel was built as a private home in 1910, with the house next door added more recently. It’s like staying at an incredible home where you’re pampered and spoiled.
Photo by Michael Cavén.
Must-sees for design and architecture enthusiasts…
Lovers of design should definitely visit City Hall (pictured above), which hosts The Nobel Prize dinner. The Stockholm Public Library designed by Gunnar Asplund, Asplund cemetery, and the Market Hall of Östermalm are all amazing destinations as well. I also love to simply walk the streets of Gamla stan, the old town of Stockholm.
Postcard moment…
Asplund cemetery is otherworldly. It is truly ethereal, a true Valhalla picturesque Nordic landscape and compelling architecture by Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz.
Shopping for objects, furnishings, textiles, and more…
I bought two pillows from Svenskt Tenn, the almost century-old design shop.
Paul Jackson’s amazing emporium of Scandinavian furniture continues to inspire.
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