'Working together on a project is a privilege - both professionally and also in terms of good moods and lots of humour’

Tell us a bit about yourselves! 

We, Ditte Bjerregaard and Sofie Elkjær Jensen, met years ago on our very first day at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture. Ditte now works as an architect, and Sofie as an architect, collage artist, and graphic designer. We both live in Copenhagen with our families.

Why did you want to enter the competition?

Giving us the chance to work with a material we haven’t explored before and in a scale new to us, this competition clearly was a fantastic challenge and opportunity. We have collaborated since we first met, and the fun we have developing ideas together provides creative motivation by itself.

What was your inspiration for the design?

We are fascinated by the duality of the Queen.  She is a strong and unifying regent for the Danish people, but also a sensitive and creative soul with a remarkable talent. We were inspired by her motto: “God’s help, the love of the people, Denmark’s strength”.

With references to the Queen’s creative work in theatrical design, our design is a miniature ‘scenography’. Love is expressed by a little heart, rays represent God’s help and create the letter ‘M’ within an unbreakable circle which represents the strength of the country.

Finally, fifty grooves along the edge of the circle celebrate the fifty years of the Golden Jubilee.

What was the design process? 

After multiple workshops where our initial ideas were hand sketched, we developed the final proposal using 3D programmes and visualizations. Seeing the prototype of the final design is simply amazing.

Who or what influences you the most in your work?

It is hard to single any anyone out, as we have been inspired by so many artists, architects, musicians, writers and craftsmen. We are fascinated by colours, textures and geometry, and in our day to day lives, we find inspiration in especially music, contrast and humour.

Finally, what does Georg Jensen mean to you? 

Elegance, craftmanship and tradition. 

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