Noma: Where Architecture Meets Craft
INTERNI INSPIRATION
A Culinary Icon with a New Home
When René Redzepi, the visionary head chef and founder of Noma, set out to create a new home for his world-renowned restaurant in Copenhagen, he turned to two creative powerhouses: BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) for the architecture and Studio David Thulstrup for the interior design.
The result is not just a restaurant, but an environment that mirrors Noma’s philosophy of connection to place, seasonality, and craft. It’s a design that feels deeply rooted in Denmark while avoiding the clichés of “Nordic minimalism.”
Interiors with a Residential Soul
David Thulstrup approached the project as if he were designing a private residence rather than a hospitality space. The emphasis is not on ornamentation but on materials as the true decoration—wood, stone, leather, and handmade details form the palette.
Every decision was anchored in creating a sense of coherence. Thulstrup himself described the process as “360 degrees holistic”—from choosing finishes for floors, walls, and ceilings to designing cabinetry, custom lighting, and furniture. Even vintage treasures were sourced from auctions to add warmth and authenticity.
The overall mood is Scandinavian, but stripped of design stereotypes: honest, simple, and human.
Handmade Details and Bespoke Furniture
A highlight of the project was the collaboration with Brdr. Krüger, where David Thulstrup designed the Arv Collection—chairs and tables that blend timeless craftsmanship with a modern sensibility. Alongside, the Karm Sofa complements the dining spaces with a tactile, inviting softness.
Each piece was designed to feel handmade, echoing Redzepi’s desire for the restaurant to embody not just culinary creativity but also a tangible sense of place.
The Philosophy of Coherence
In a project that spanned a year, the team touched every layer of the design. The guiding principle: nothing should shout louder than the other elements. Instead, everything—architecture, interiors, furniture, even art—works in quiet harmony.
This coherence reflects the ethos of Noma’s cuisine: carefully selected, deeply curated, and full of respect for origins. Just as each dish is a composition of local ingredients, the space itself is a composition of thoughtfully chosen materials and crafted details.
Architecture: BIG Bjarke Ingels Group
Interior Design: Studio David Thulstrup
Client: NOMA
Furniture: ARV Collection & Karm Sofa
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