In the heart of a Copenhagen courtyard, a former paper printing press stands transformed. Canadian lighting brand A-N-D will soon unveil its first permanent showroom outside Canada here, redefining the space into a dialogue of light and design. This June, the opening coincides with the renowned 3 Days of Design event, inviting curiosity and conversation in equal measure.
Co-founded in Vancouver 14 years ago by Lukas Peet, Caine Heintzman, and Matt Davis, A-N-D took shape from a shared ambition. Each brought unique expertise—Peet’s design curiosity, Heintzman’s sculptural precision, and Davis’s business acumen. Together, they pursued lighting innovation with an emphasis on material, function, and iterative design processes. The showroom in Copenhagen serves not just as a display but a testament to their collaborative ethos.
Inside, the showroom transcends typical display formats. The goal is to create a space where the product speaks directly to visitors. It occupies three distinct floors of the historic building, each dedicated to showcasing A-N-D’s methodology. The ground floor, termed the Showroom Gallery, emphasizes new collections with minimalist clarity, against the renovation’s industrial backdrop.
Reimagining design without compromise
A-N-D’s collections resist uniformity, aiming instead for consistent excellence across varied designs. Their commitment to real-world accuracy exemplifies this. A rare failure story, the 2019 Pebble pendant, reflects A-N-D’s unyielding resolve. Initially crafted by artisans, it struggled with consistency but evolved through determined refinement. This commitment ensures that what customers see in images matches reality, without compromise or enhancement. The Pebble’s revised version is set to debut at the new showroom.
Below, the basement, known as the Technical Lab, offers a meticulous exploration of materials and light interactions. Stripping away natural light, the space allows for an in-depth understanding of product nuances. Surrounded by wall fixtures and sample racks, visitors can experiment in a controlled setting, understanding how these pieces will perform in different environments.
The cultural resonance of Copenhagen
Choosing Copenhagen was both strategic and instinctual. Practically, it offers logistical advantages with local connections, such as Danish partner Ken. Culturally, it reflects a shared design philosophy. As Peet notes, Canada and Scandinavia resonate in their mutual appreciation for quality and subtlety in design.
The second floor café space, Café A-N-D Bar, imagines a serene retreat with the gentle hum of La Marzocco espresso machines. It echoes a nuanced environment for clients and designers to reflect and converse amid the warmth of sound and light, perhaps prompting questions that start deeper dialogues about the essence of design.
This new European presence marks a significant step for A-N-D since entering the market in 2018. By situating themselves within Copenhagen’s lively design framework, they extend an invitation for immediate interaction, allowing clients to experience and inquire in real-time.
As A-N-D prepares to welcome visitors during 3 Days of Design, their anticipation focuses less on visitor numbers and more on the potential for meaningful exchanges. For Peet and his co-founders, the true measure of success lies in the conversations sparked by their lighting—conversations that will illuminate new paths in design thinking.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com