Telecoil loops, different types of seating and acoustic control are just a few of the things that design studio Aspekt Office, in collaboration with Sylvester Struckmann, has incorporated into the new temporary cinema at Charlottenborg, where inclusivity and sustainability are the overriding democratic focus.
Monday 26th Feb 2024
This year’s CPH:DOX festival embarks on a reflective journey with ‘Body Politics’ as its guiding theme, probing our collective understanding of the body. It raises critical questions about societal norms regarding body image, autonomy, and the biases some bodies face more than others. To enrich the discourse on these pivotal issues, the festival has introduced a specialized film programme alongside three days filled with films, debates, events, and parties, all underpinned by the theme of ‘Body Politics’.
In a bold move to challenge and redefine the conventional narratives around body norms, this year’s festival environment has been thoughtfully crafted with the expertise of multimedia designer Sylvester Struckmann and the forward-thinking team at Aspekt Studio. Hans Toft Hornemann and Terkel Skou Steffensen, hailing from their Vesterbro-based studio in Copenhagen, have embarked on a creative quest to infuse inclusivity into their design philosophy, discovering an inherent link between sustainability and inclusivity.
Their commitment to this cause is evidenced by their conscious selection of sustainable and circular materials. Hornemann explains, “In the process, we started by focusing especially on circular production. And there are many things we could use that are already circular. Like a scaffold, for example. A scaffold is packed up and then set up again and again. In much the same way as a festival.” This reflection led to the creation of a striking scaffold structure within the halls of Kunsthal Charlottenborg, realized through a collaboration with Danish Scaffold Service. This choice not only contrasts with the grandeur of Charlottenborg but also aligns with CPH:DOX’s mission to be a film festival for everyone.
Aspekt Studio’s dedication extends to the utilization of recyclable materials for all their designs, from furniture to installations, ensuring that the festival’s ethos of accessibility and inclusivity is tangible in every element. “Suddenly, our choice of materials began to point towards new openings in the project,” Steffensen remarks, emphasizing the aim to ground the festival’s visual expression in reality and democratic values. This philosophy has guided their approach to universal design, seeking to make the festival experience welcoming to all, regardless of physical abilities.
Hornemann adds a personal note to their inclusive vision, stating, “We wanted to create something that isn’t primarily designed for people who come walking. When you come to the cinema, you should be able to sit wherever you want, even if you, for example, come in a wheelchair. It’s not like there’s a designated wheelchair area. The same goes for our meeting tables. They are accessible to everyone.” This thoughtful consideration ensures that the festival’s furnishings, sourced from OMHU, Muuto, and Magnus Olesen, cater to a diverse range of body types and needs.
As the festival draws near, the designers face the thrilling challenge of bringing their visions to life. Steffensen shares his anticipation and reverence for the task ahead, underscoring the difference between conceptual drawings and the tangible reality of construction. Despite the nerves, both designers are eager to present their innovative contributions to CPH:DOX, hoping to inspire a sense of belonging among all attendees.
Supported by the Bevica Foundation, this year’s Social Cinema at Kunsthal Charlottenborg is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Danish Scaffold Service, Muuto, Magnus Olesen, and OMHU. For those looking to take a piece of this inclusive festival experience home, OMHU offers a sofa set at a special price, embodying the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for all.
