Three – a new exhibition chronicling the creative journeys of three Nordic design-makers who have been exploring the design potential of three beautiful but underused U.S. hardwoods
At 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen this June, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, is set to present Three – a new exhibition chronicling the creative journeys of three Nordic designmakers who have been exploring the design potential of three beautiful but underused U.S. hardwoods. Three is intended to champion the role that these woods can play in the sustainable future of design and architecture – while raising awareness of their status as vital components of the forest’s long-term sustainability.
According to AHEC, the material choices that designers make have enormous power. They can influence aesthetics, product performance and wider style trends. They can drive – or detract from – the move towards sustainable production and the circular economy. They can even impact the make-up of the world’s forests. Given the important role designers can play, the three designermakers, Pia Högman, Anne Brandhøj and Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng, for this project have each been chosen for their close relationship with natural materials, the commitment to sustainability that is apparent in their practice, and the poetic beauty with which they infuse their creativity.
“Three is the latest chapter of an ongoing journey to explore the creative potential of three materials whose increased use are essential to the long-term sustainability of the U.S. hardwood forests. By focusing on young Nordic designers who are also makers, we are seeking a fresh perspective on these timbers in the context of a long history of acclaimed Nordic design and material exploration,” said David Venables, AHEC European Director.
Each representing one of the three Nordic countries – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – the designermakers have been matched at random with one of the hardwoods – red oak, maple and cherry – and encouraged to play, experiment and explore. Challenged to use their assigned woods to develop one-off objects or furniture pieces, the designers have been tasked with chronicling their thoughts and findings as they work with their wood, generating a narrative through videos, sketches, photographs and words. The exhibition, which will run from June 7 – 9 at Amaliegade 14A in Copenhagen, will present the pieces they create and will tell the story of how they came to be.
Swedish designer Pia Högman is interested in rethinking traditional materials and making techniques for the modern day, combining the historical and the contemporary to create intriguing, materially expressive products. Anne Brandhøj is a Danish designer mainly working with wood whose furniture and sculptural objects prioritize aesthetic and functional longevity alongside honest material expression. Norwegian designer Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng produces hand-made works that blur the boundaries between art and function, characterized by organic curves and locally sourced recycled materials.
“The three timbers at the heart of the exhibition all grow abundantly in American hardwood forests, making up a total of 40 percent of the forest volume between them, but are currently underused in the design sector. Each plays a key role in the forest ecosystem, and all contribute significantly to its diversity and sustainability. In addition to being easily renewable and serving as a natural carbon store, the woods are also strong, tactile, versatile, and aesthetically appealing. We’re very excited, not only by the caliber of the designers involved in this project, but also by the fabulous pieces that we look forward to seeing in these versatile yet underused American hardwood species,” concluded Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director.