Danish designer Helle Mardahl has unveiled The Sensory Society, a 3 Days of Design exhibition that takes cues from Wes Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Mardahl filled an entire Copenhagen apartment with her colourful glass objects, creating installations that include a playful bar and a grand dressing table.
![The Sensory Society by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1065.jpg)
The exhibition showcases new additions to the designer’s glassware range, called the Candy Collection, including hand-blown pendant lamps, characterful wine glasses and Mardahl’s take on “the perfect bowl”.
The aim was to create an exhibition that appeals to all of the senses.
![The Sensory Society by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x1065.jpg)
“We’ve transformed this old, amazing apartment into a world of imagination, mystique and humour,” Mardahl said.
“Inspired by the amazing Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, I implemented colours from our newest addition to the Candy Collection, such as grapefruit, blue jelly, champagne and spearmint. Absolutely yummy!”
![The Sensory Society by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1065.jpg)
Mardahl first launched her Copenhagen-based studio in 2017, after “falling in love” with glass. Her pieces typically have a candy-like aesthetic, with rich colours and round shapes.
The designs are all hand-made by artisans mostly based in Denmark.
“The process of creating the glass is magical,” said Mardahl.
“It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s absolutely perfect. It is truly a love story between the glass and the artisan.”
![The Sensory Society by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1065.jpg)
When you arrive at The Sensory Society, the first room you encounter is a lobby where almost every surface is red, creating a bold backdrop to glass pendants hanging down from the ceiling.
In the bar area, glass tableware objects – including the popular Bon Bon cake stand – are displayed at different heights, while wine glasses are hung around a cylindrical column.
![The Sensory Society by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x1065.jpg)
A grand dressing table is finished in pale shades of lilac, pink and blue. It incorporates tiered shelving, supporting hundreds of glass vessels.
There is also a turquoise-coloured room where the new wine glasses take centre stage.
![Wine glasses by Helle Mardahl](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/06/sensory-society-helle-mardahl_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1193.jpg)
Small details throughout the apartment are also made from glass, including drawer handles and orbs fixed to the sides of the chairs.
“It’s a candy world of flavours and colours, a universe that simulates your senses and feelings,” added Mardahl.
The Sensory Society is on show from 7 to 10 June 2023 as part of 3 Days of Design. Follow live coverage on Dezeen live: 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, or see Dezeen Events Guide for information about the event, plus a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.