Dezeen Magazine

Norm Architects designs minimal chair for Menu's co-working space

Danish brand Menu has enlisted Norm Architects to design a versatile chair for its multi-use co-working space in Copenhagen.

Launched at IMM Cologne earlier this week, the Harbour chair features an enveloping polypropylene and fibreglass shell seat.

Its armrests and a backrest are designed to bend subtly outwards to provide comfort and support.

Described by the brand as striking "a perfect balance between geometry and organic shapes", the Harbour chair was originally designed for Menu's new creative co-working space in the Nordhavn (Northern Harbour) area of Copenhagen.

Named the Menu Space, the destination combines an office, showroom, café, co-working and event space, and therefore, required a chair that could be used in a wide range of settings.

"The Habour Chair is the result of fulfilling a variety of needs," said the brand. "The dining chair is ideal for anything from restaurants, conferences, offices, or in the comfort of one's own home."

The chair comes with a base in either powder-coated steel, natural oak, matt lacquered or smoked stained oak.

The seat is available in black, white, light grey, olive, burned red or khaki.

Norm Architects, founded in 2008 by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn, were responsible for the design of the Menu Space, which opened last summer.

The office's sparse, concrete interior is inspired by its industrial harbour surroundings, and according to the architects "draws heavy inspiration from strong materials such as concrete and steel."

"We believe that to motivate each other, we need to put the focus on connecting - be it through work, design or engaging with our local community, connecting more encourages both a sense of freedom and a higher purpose," said Menu in a statement.

"It is this very synergy of co-living, co-working and codesigning, which inspired us to form a connected space that blurs the lines between home, work and hospitality."

Known for its minimalist approach, Norm Architects are long-time collaborators with Menu, and have previously worked with the brand on a series of rustic dining rooms at a restaurant in Copenhagen, and a canvas laundry bag made by craftswomen in Nepal as part of a wider project to prevent Nepali women from working in the sex trade.