Circle Dome Square Copenhagen: A Red Floral Vision

Contemporary Innovation in the Heart of Copenhagen

Designer Henrik Vibskov recently unveiled a stunning art project titled Circle Dome Square in Copenhagen. Positioned in front of the Louis Poulsen showroom, the installation immediately draws attention with its unique form, resembling a giant red flower frozen in the moment of bloom.

This work pays homage to the legendary Panthella lamp designed by Verner Panton in 1971, yet Vibskov’s interpretation adds a distinctly contemporary touch. Shiny red fabrics extend from a central core, creating a dynamic visual effect that captivates from several buildings away.

From Chaos to Calm

As visitors approach the installation, they discover that the experience goes beyond its exterior appearance. The chaos and dynamism outside transform into a serene cocoon within, where light penetrates the fabric walls in a mesmerizing way.

Vibskov designed this space to serve as a place to breathe and escape the city’s hustle, offering a moment of clarity and calm. The designer also explains that the integration of shapes and colors aims to evoke a sensation akin to old cameras, focusing all elements into a single powerful unit.

A Complete Sensory Experience

When seated inside the installation, the soft red light transforms the entire environment, giving visitors a sense of warmth and mental focus. This experience demonstrates how contemporary art can seamlessly merge aesthetic design with contemplative function.

Fabrics as an Architectural Medium

The choice of fabrics in Vibskov’s installation seems entirely logical when considering his professional background. He spent many years working in fashion, art, and spatial design, making textiles a natural architectural medium for him. These fabrics are not merely decorative hanging elements; they perform serious functions, such as filtering sound and light, while creating a sense of intimacy within the larger urban framework.

Although the geometry behind the dramatic “explosions” is complex and intensive, the final result appears smooth and natural, reflecting the designer’s ability to harmoniously integrate technology and art.

Timing and Location as Influential Factors

Temporal and spatial factors play a pivotal role in projects of this kind. Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design festival has become a platform for bold creative experiments, where brands seize opportunities to innovate rather than settle for conventional solutions.

In this context, the designer did not limit innovation to form alone; he also leveraged the installation’s location beside the canal to become part of the natural pedestrian flow. In this way, visitors encounter the installation organically and unexpectedly, challenging conventional thinking about how design installations are experienced in public spaces.

Revitalizing Panton’s Legacy

The Circle Dome Square project extends Verner Panton’s legacy without replicating it. Henrik Vibskov carefully studied the curves and proportions of the Panthella lamp but added his own touch through material choices and spatial approach. In this way, the installation becomes more than just an artwork; it offers a space for contemplation and showcases the designer’s ability to merge functional beauty with a sensory experience.

The project also demonstrates the willingness of companies like Louis Poulsen to push boundaries and embrace creative experimentation, something that most brand collaborations rarely achieve.

Spatial Narrative and Design Possibilities

Projects like this point to exciting possibilities for design festivals and brand partnerships. Giving talented designers genuine creative freedom can result in unique experiences that go beyond the physical product.

Although the project honors design history, Vibskov proves that this does not mean being stuck in the past. The elegant Panthella lamp has, through his vision, transformed into an immersive experience that visitors can enter and interact with, leaving a lasting impression long after they leave Copenhagen. This ability to combine history and innovation highlights the importance of spatial narrative in pushing the boundaries of future design.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Circle Dome Square project offers a unique visual and sensory experience that combines artistic heritage with contemporary innovation, leaving a positive impression of the designer’s ability to transform a traditional concept into an interactive experience. The vibrant colors, red lighting, and innovative use of fabrics highlight Vibskov’s skill in creating an engaging and enjoyable architectural space for visitors.

However, some visitors may feel that the design places more emphasis on the visual experience and overall atmosphere than on practical functions, such as the ability to use the space for multiple purposes or engage with it continuously over the long term. Additionally, the temporary nature of the installation may lessen its lasting impact on the urban environment compared to permanent buildings or installations.

In this sense, the project can be seen as an intriguing design experience that balances admiration with realistic considerations, allowing the audience to form a nuanced view of its artistic and architectural value.