Roots of the Future: College of Design Senior Show

Amanda Zanski

Scandinavian Design: Beyond the Myth

Computer generated and mixed media renderings

Minocqua, WI

B.S. interior design, architecture minor

The traveling exhibition of Scandinavian Design: Beyond the Myth is a project that was assigned during a semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark that attempted to redefine typical connotations of Scandinavian design.  I compared my prior notions of Scandinavia to the actual experience of living with a Danish family, interacting with Danish peers, and learning under Danish instruction.  In turn, I emphasized the juxtaposition of American and Danish culture.  I manipulated American stereotypes of Danish design by using Danish sarcasm (a standard cultural trait) in an attempt to “shift one’s paradigm.” This playful approach to cultural misunderstanding forced the user of this space to suspend previous notions of Danish culture.