Fritz Hansen merges design and audio in Bauhaus-inspired listening spaces
Danish brand transforms showroom into immersive vinyl experience during London Design Festival
1Design-meets-audio collaboration
Fritz Hansen partnered with Technics to convert its Farringdon showroom into four domestic listening environments. The installation combines the Danish brand's furniture and lighting with Japanese audio equipment, featuring a limited edition Kaiser Idell Luxus lamp and matching Technics turntable. This marks the second iteration of the Sound Club concept, following its Copenhagen debut during 3 Days of Design.
2Bauhaus aesthetic revival
The spaces reference modernist design principles through 1930s furniture and Bauhaus-inspired styling. Creative director Els Van Hoorebeeck emphasizes how sound influences spatial perception, with the installation demonstrating how audio interacts with furniture and lighting. The design intentionally blends historical pieces like Poul Kjærholm's PK31 sofa with contemporary elements to create cohesive environments.
3Signature product showcase
A burgundy version of Fritz Hansen's 90th anniversary Kaiser Idell Luxus lamp serves as the centerpiece, paired with a custom Technics SL 40CBT turntable. The exhibition also features Arne Jacobsen's Ant and Egg chairs, Poul Kjærholm's PK80 daybed, and new works by Cecilie Manz including her Monolit chair. These pieces demonstrate the brand's legacy of collaborating with renowned designers across generations.
4Zoned listening experiences
The showroom offers distinct areas: The Study pairs steel desks with cherry-veneered Ant chairs, the Reading Corner features Jacobsen's Egg chair, while downstairs Living Room encourages socialization with strategically placed audio equipment. Each zone demonstrates how furniture arrangement affects acoustic experience and user interaction, from focused listening to conversational settings.
5Historical and contemporary fusion
Alongside vintage pieces, the installation presents modern collaborations including Piero Lissoni and Jamie Hayon's works. Nendo's N02 Recycle chair appears in upholstered form, while Manz contributes a compact plywood chair. This juxtaposition highlights Fritz Hansen's ability to balance heritage with innovation, maintaining relevance across design eras through strategic partnerships.
6Sensory design philosophy
Van Hoorebeeck explains how sound directly shapes spatial perception and movement patterns. The Sound Club concept explores multisensory design, demonstrating how audio equipment integration affects furniture usage and social dynamics. This approach reflects Fritz Hansen's ongoing investigation into how environmental factors influence product interaction and user experience.
7Design festival context
The installation runs until September 20 as part of London Design Festival, alongside other highlights like Collate Lobby's debut and a bamboo pavilion featuring Indian police shields. This marks Fritz Hansen's continued presence in major design events, using temporary installations to showcase product versatility and experimental concepts beyond traditional showroom displays.
8Brand legacy demonstration
Founded in 1872, Fritz Hansen reinforces its design authority through this audio-focused exhibition. By combining its iconic furniture with Technics' audio technology, the brand creates an immersive brand experience that transcends product display. The Sound Club concept effectively communicates Fritz Hansen's design philosophy while introducing its classics to new audiences in innovative contexts.