The Audo
MENU and Norm Architects have teamed up yet again to bring life to the new MENU HQ, successfully
introducing a creative hybrid to the Copenhagen neighborhood of Nordhavnen–a unique concept that reflects
the rapidly changing intersection of home, work and hospitality in a single, community-building universe.
The Audo reflects MENU’s founding philosophy of collaborative spirit. It masterfully unites co-working and
event facilities, a café, restaurant and concept store, as well as an exclusive hotel residence through design,
making transitions from one space to another seamless, inspiring and pleasurable. Nathan Williams from the
leading lifestyle publication Kinfolk leads The Audo’s creative direction, bringing global perspective to the
space.
At The Audo, MENU’s portfolio of furniture, lighting and accessories will be presented and experienced in
new and authentic ways, redefining how we use design, space and, ultimately, how we connect to one
another. Headed by former CEO and founder, Bjarne Hansen, and conceived in partnership with Jonas
Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects, The Audo is a testimony to the future of design. Creating a renewed
sense of belonging shaped by the spirit of collaboration, the new space occupies a building in Copenhagen’s
Nordhavn district that dates back to 1918, originally built to house the headquarters of the Russian Trading
Co. Ltd. The Neo-Baroque residence features an inspiring mix of original features and thoughtful new
accompaniments from an eclectic mix of premium brands—not least MENU’s comprehensive range of
furniture, lighting and accessories, which are put to our truest test, together with a curated selection of
products from premium global brands.
The name, The Audo, comes from the Latin Ab Uno Disce Omnes, meaning: From one, learn all.
Quotes:
“The exterior of the building has historical references to a period of time when buildings in Copenhagen
were inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, entering the early dawn of modernism, while the inside was
a rational and industrial concrete structure that allowed us to transform the building rather freely. It is always
a challenge to refurbish such a building, as the demands of services needed are completely different from the
original purpose and period of time in which the building came to be. Working to create a combined
showroom, shop, restaurant, office space and boutique hotel required different kinds of circulation, acoustics,
ventilation and so on. Fitting all these functions and mechanical services into a historic building of 2500sqm
was probably the biggest challenge.” – Peter Eland
“The building stands as a holistic house where the visitor will find that all functions are connected
throughout the spaces and material palettes.” – Peter Eland
“Working on the identity of the space and concept, we’ve been drawing on traditional norms of good design
in order to connect the refined, modern interiors with the history of the building.” – Peter Eland
Lead architects: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, Peter Eland
Interior architects: Sofie Thorning, Linnea Ek Blaehr, Qing Ye, Zihan Zhao
Designers: Nicolaj Friis Nøddesbo, Kasper Rønn, Frederik Werner
Client: MENU
Location: Copenhagen
Completed: Spring 2019
Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Monica Grue Steffensen
