Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture & Design – Sweden
TAKO. Photo: Felix Gerlach
Rare elegance and pioneering decadence With the competence of Sweden’s largest team of interior architects, Tengbom creates spectacular interiors – working with, rather than against, the features of buildings. By Malin Norman
“Ultimately, we create interiors for our client’s customers, using the available space to enhance the experience,” says Kjerstin Björk, architect and studio manager of interior design at Tengbom. “In order to do so, we have to think beyond our own understanding and experience. Nowadays, customised concepts are trendy and Instagram-friendly places are increasingly important, this is how people find out about new spots to visit.” 76 | Issue 117 | October 2018
At Tengbom, structures are seen as individuals with an identity. Environments are optimised so that visitors can find and understand the place, and so that the people working in the building enjoy being there. A hotel or restaurant can even lift a whole neighbourhood. In particular, two of Tengbom’s recent interior design assignments stand out and, not surprisingly, they have both been nominated for international awards.
Mystic elegance at TAKO First out is TAKO. Commissioned by Stockholm Krogbolag, this restaurant is a brand-new dining concept at the venue on Birger Jarlsgatan 29, which was once upon a time famous for its busy nightlife. This is the fifth restaurant that Tengbom has designed for the restaurateur, which in itself is proof of a long and successful business relationship. Here, Tengbom has weaved together Scandinavian, Japanese and Korean influences under the name TAKO, which translates into dragon or octopus, and has used the levels and narrow passages to recreate the atmosphere of the