02 December 2012

Scandinavia

I am just back from a few days in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo in Sweden as part of a work trip - oh and one day's annual leave to spend some time wandering in one of my favourite cities - Copenhagen. 

The work trip was as part of a European funded project that is looking at how to make creative sector incubator spaces more sustainable (financially) and this was the second study visit I had been on this year - the first was to Rotterdam in the spring. It was a really interesting trip and we visited 4 different spaces and heard from several speakers about the projects and spaces in this part of the world that support the growth and development of the creative industries. We visited Media Evolution City and MINC in Malmo, the Ideon Incubator in Lund, Sweden and the Danish Design Centre in Copenhagen. These were inspirational spaces, filled with inspirational entrepreneurs and business advisers. Some of the spaces I would love to work in. For example, this is what is called the Media Forest in Media Evolution City where people can rent a desk for a minimum of 3 months and work in a creative environment, that provides the opportunity to integrate and network with other creatives.


I had a lovely day in Copenhagen, a city I have visited a couple of times before, but never in the winter. It didn't disappoint, with beautiful shop windows, great design offerings and a trip to Tivoli, the world's second oldest amusement park right in the centre of the city, which opens for 6 weeks before Christmas and is truly magical.


Tivoli opened in August 1843 and has always included theatres and outdoor entertainment, has fireworks, funfair rides, shops and restaurants. Apparently it's designer was granted the land by King Christian VIII by telling him that "when the people are amusing themselves they do not think about politics."



A winter wonderland of fairy lights and magic...


Last year the park created a Russian theme for the Christmas opening and it was the focus again this year (Tivoli has often had international themes, with the Nimb hotel looking like an Indian palace.


Nimb - the hotel in Tivoli which also houses a Michelin star restaurant run by Danish chef Alan Poulsen. 



Trees of all varieties can be found inside. 


Tivoli Treats!




The Chinese Pavilion.

I could easily have taken thousands of photos - it was inspirational....I however, need to learn how to use the settings on the camera more effectively and to use my little mini tripod to prevent shake when taking photos at night.





7 comments:

Bethany said...

Tivoli is just beautiful! What a way to start the holidays! I think your trip sounds extremely interesting. I'm always interested in new ways of designing workspace. We have a place here that is similar (though not as cool) called the Candy Shop: http://www.candyissweet.com/ downtown. I think it's been popular because I heard that they were planning to open a second location already. We decorated the Christmas tree and the house today-- I'm totally in the holiday spirit! ;)

Unknown said...

First thanks for your words...feeling not alone is so important....
And wow, lovely places to work...if you could see where I have worked ;)
And Copenhaguen...I have just once been there but love to wander...and would love to go again,....

Karen S, Lykkefanten said...

Sounds like you had a great trip, though next time you visit Copenhagen email me if you'd like to meet up. I'd love to share a coffee (or something else). :)

I love Tivoli in the winter. The lights are always so wonderful :)

Thimbleanna said...

I'm pretty sure I want your job. You always get the best trips! Your photos of Tivoli are beautiful -- especially that one of the Russian building -- the colors are so pretty!

Anne Marie said...

What an interesting work trip you had. Makes me jealous!

Thank you for the walk in Tivoli! I have been there twice during summer, but never during winter. What a nice Christmas atmosphere it has...

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for your optimism
Sometimes I forget to look at the right sight of life...
THANKS

GretchenJoanna said...

Wonderful pictures! On this post and others - I like your travelogues. You've put me deeper into the Christmas spirit.