Joyful Spaces: Copenhagen Contemporary – Jenny Crossland, SpaceInvader

Outside our homes, the commercial spaces we inhabit daily should do more than just function – they should enrich our lives and spark joy.  Our new Joyful Spaces series will form a collection of inspiring spaces, chosen by designers and professionals who share their personal connections to the places that brighten their days.

Each article in this series highlights a personally significant commercial space, exploring its history, design, and emotional resonance through the eyes of the contributor. By uncovering the stories behind these spaces, we hope to celebrate the environments that uplift and inspire us.

This new series continues with a Joyful Space chosen by Jenny Crossland, Branding and Graphics Associate at SpaceInvader. In her own words, Jenny reflects on how a buildings’ heritage and contemporary development can deliver a narrative which spurs an emotional attachment, sharing Copenhagen Contemporary as her Joyful Space! 

Copenhagen Contemporary

‘What makes a space joyful? Many designers would agree that creativity and inspiration aren’t just tied to work but shape how we see and experience the world. Personally, I’m particularly inspired by older buildings because of the stories they can tell if their history has been properly retained and their design adapted to the present day and current use. A great example of this to me is Copenhagen Contemporary.

Digital Exhibition

Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is an international art centre in Refshaleøen, Copenhagen, which showcases installation art by both established and emerging artists. The building is a former welding hall and was remodelled by Danish architect Dorthe Mandrup. The practice notes they work in a way that is deeply rooted to the building’s location, which is apparent throughout. It embodies the Scandi style I was seeking to experience when I visited Copenhagen through the functionality of the space and the simplicity of its design. The industrial nature of the building and its surrounding landscape contrasts with new bright, bold interjections in a playful mix of the old, hard-working, industrial space with the new, fun and creative interior.

Sculpture Exhibition

I was initially impressed by the gallery’s scale, given it stretches almost 350 metres down the former industrial site and island of Refshaleøen. The scale of the building follows through internally due to the spacious layouts and the volume of space in the ceilings – hard to convey in photos! In certain areas, large windows provide calming views overlooking the surrounding harbour, whilst the exhibition halls provide a different experience in each, striking the perfect balance between a building you want to visit and art you want to experience.

Fashion Exhibition

The way the art is curated provides a lot of inspiration through the showcasing of different disciplines, from digital art and sculpture to fashion and material studies, as well as a mixture of established and emerging artists. I think this helps to look at things with a different perspective, seeing pieces I wouldn’t initially seek out and providing new sources of wonder.

Material Study Exhibition

The space encompasses Danish design in a way that it is simple yet so well executed. The café is a prime example, where a curtain feature on the back wall adds drama and interest due to its sheer scale, whilst the simple palette of materials and colour further showcase the power of minimalism.’

Jenny Crossland, Branding and Graphics Associate at SpaceInvader

Jenny Crossland is a Branding and Graphics Associate at SpaceInvader, a multi-award-winning interior design agency and one of the UK’s premier design consultancies. She creates and oversees graphic output at the studio including branding, wayfinding, and bespoke art prints. Jenny is engaged in the design community, regularly attending events, keeping up to date with design trends and working with local universities to find upcoming talent in the industry. Her strengths lie in conceptual thinking and finding inspiration in a wide variety of places.