Utility presents: Challenging conventional thinking with Normann Copenhagen

In celebration of our 25th anniversary in the design industry, Utility kicked off a year-long calendar of events at The Flint, our newly opened showroom, with a two-night event in partnership with renowned Danish design brand Normann Copenhagen.

Reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, we were thrilled to host Normann Copenhagen CEO and co-founder Poul Madsen alongside the brand’s lead designer, Simon Legald. Together, they took our guests on a journey through the ethos of Normann Copenhagen, from the brand’s humble beginnings to its pioneering efforts in sustainable design.

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A Brief History of Normann Copenhagen: Purpose, Design, and Sustainability.

When Poul Madsen and his business partner, Jan Andersen, decided to merge their businesses together in 1999 (a glass importer and design company, respectively) it was for the love of design. 25 years on Normann Copenhagen has become a symbol of Danish design - one that balances form, function and elegance with a unique, playful twist.

Madsen shared an amusing anecdote about the history of one of their most celebrated designs, the Norm 69 Pendant—a story that captures the spirit of creativity, chance, and vision that have shaped Normann Copenhagen’s journey.

Originally created in 1969 by designer Simon Karkov, the Norm 69 Pendant Lamp is made up of 69 intricately designed pieces that fit together ingeniously without the need for tools or glue. Decades before today’s advanced manufacturing tools, Karkov envisioned and crafted the lamp with remarkable precision, later downplaying his achievement as 'just mathematics.'

For years, however, this visionary piece lay tucked away in Karkov’s loft, unseen by the world—until an unexpected encounter brought it to life. As Madsen recounted, one day in the early 2000s, an man with a long, Santa-like beard pulled up outside the Normann Copenhagen showroom in his old car. The man, Karkov, explained that he had a lamp design they might be interested in. Madsen, intrigued, invited Karkov to show them the lamp and so off he drove to retrieve it from his loft.

This story captures the spirit of Normann’s early days—bold, unconventional, and ready to take a chance on something truly unique.

Today, Normann Copenhagen is as ambitious and unconventional as ever, yet with a more intentional focus on sustainability and forward-thinking design. Every piece embodies the brand’s commitment to quality, functionality, and environmental responsibility, all while embracing the charm and playfulness that have defined Normann Copenhagen since its earliest days.

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Meet the Designer: Simon Legald

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Simon Legald, the creative force behind best-selling designs like the Form Chair, Bit Stool Collection, and Block Table, works as Head of Design at the Danish brand Normann Copenhagen. A graduate of Denmark's prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Legald's designs are created through a dialogue between craftsmanship and industry.

At the event Simon walked our guests through his creative journey, particularly emphasizing his ongoing commitment to unearthing new, sustainable materials and methods of production. Among the highlights of Legald’s discussion were two of his innovative designs: the Bit Stool and the Mat Collection. The Bit Stool stands as a testament to Normann Copenhagen’s dedication to reducing waste, crafted entirely from recycled industrial plastic waste. Each stool features a unique pattern that blends playful aesthetics with durability, embodying Legald’s vision of sustainable yet beautiful design.

The Mat Collection further extends Normann Copenhagen’s sustainable approach. Created using hemp, a rapidly renewable resource, this collection merges modern silhouettes with minimal environmental impact. Legald’s designs in the Mat Collection are simple yet sophisticated, embodying a dedication to sustainability that encourages a shift towards mindful consumption and production.

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Looking Ahead

This event was just the beginning of Utility’s celebration of “25 Years of Great Design.” Each gathering at The Flint will offer fresh perspectives from industry leaders, creatives, and collaborators who, like us, believe that design can shape the future. With a focus on design and the people behind it, our year-long calendar aims to inspire and engage everyone who shares our passion for great design.

As Utility and Normann Copenhagen celebrate 25 years of pushing the boundaries of design, we’re excited to share this milestone with our community. Whether you joined us at The Flint for the first event or are considering visiting in the future, we invite you to explore the vision and craftsmanship that has driven our journey for a quarter of a century. Here's to the next 25 years of great design, together.

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