The Audo is a hybrid space, which houses, in perfect harmony, a small boutique hotel, restaurant and the design brand MENU’s new headquarters and its concept store. The Audo is also a collaborative work and event space that provides an inspiring setting for the local creative community and design lovers visiting the city.
COPENHAGEN'S NEW DESIGN HUB, The Audo, opened in spring 2019 in a long-disused building in the waterfront district of Nordhavn. Formerly a harbor and industrial area, Nordhavn has in recent years developed into a trendy urban hub, where you can explore exciting new architecture and showrooms of several design brands.
The Audo is the creation of Bjarne Hansen, the founder of MENU, whose vision was to create a space that encourages free collaboration, creativity and learning – the name ‘Audo’ comes from the Latin phrase “Ab Uno Disce Omnes”, meaning “from one, learn all”.
Hansen took on the task together with MENU, the architectural and design firm Norm Architects and Nathan Williams from the lifestyle publication Kinfolk. The result is a luxurious, yet communal multifunctional space that combines design, tourism, creative work and leisure.
The Audo is the creation of Bjarne Hansen, the founder of MENU, whose vision was to create a space that encourages free collaboration, creativity and learning.
"To me, the interior is inviting, intriguing and inspirational. The idea is for the space to resemble a collector’s home, where every piece contains a story that can be shared and expressed. Because we were a diverse team working together, the design is a result of the combined visions, ambitions, knowledge and skills; everyone contributed with what they do best and the result is an expression of these joint efforts," says Rebecca Norberg, who was the Head of Architecture and Brand in the project and also worked on the interior design and brand curation.
MENU favorites
Afteroom lounge chair
JWDA tabel lamp
Échasse vase
Nimbus mirror
JWDA floor lamp
Co lounge chair
Bank pendant
Harbour chair
The Audo's façade tells stories of a bygone era, when the building, one of the oldest in Nordhavn, used to be a merchant's house in the lively harbor area. As guests step in through the front door, they encounter a radically revamped milieu of modern elegance, where Nordic design and timeless materials play the lead role.
Furnishings by MENU, vintage patterns and regularly changing artwork create an atmospheric environment for the restaurant, café and other common areas, both for local freelancers and guests arriving at the hotel.
Nordic design and timeless materials play the lead role in The Audo's milieu of modern elegance.
"The common area is where you are served breakfast in the morning and can get a drink throughout the day. You are also welcome to sit and work in MENU's material library, or you can hang out in the concept store and have a coffee, flip through a magazine or have a meeting. Regardless of which area you are in, you will be surrounded by people sharing an interest in art, design and architecture and who are curious to learn about you or share their own ideas, experiences and thoughts," Norberg summarizes the concept.
While the downstairs common areas are decorated with a sense of community and collaboration, the luxury loft rooms upstairs offer visitors a secluded, peaceful setting. Moving up from downstairs, the materials and the color scheme of the space also become softer and more serene.
Each of the hotel’s ten rooms is uniquely decorated; the unifying elements are MENU’s furniture and lamps, as well as elegant, natural materials such as wood and marble.
Each of the hotel’s ten rooms is uniquely decorated; the unifying elements are MENU’s furniture and lamps, as well as elegant, natural materials such as wood and marble.
All in all, The Audo is a holistic design experience that pampers guests with its unique milieu and ambiance. Each hotel guest can be part of The Audo’s design community, and Norberg encourages visitors to make the most of the different spaces in the building and its creative atmosphere.
"You are not only a guest but you are invited to be a part of The Audo and the community that the house is made up of. This means that in addition to being given access to a room in which you can sleep, you are also encouraged to make yourself at home and use all of the other spaces as you see fit."
The Audo, Aarhusgade 130, 2150 Nordhavn, Copenhagen
See also:
• All MENU products >
• All products designed by Norm Architects >
Text: Nora Uotila Images: MENU