NAU Students Explore Scandinavian Design’s Role in Sustainable and Equitable Societies
This summer, students from Northern Arizona University (NAU) delved into the world of Scandinavian design, discovering its impact on creating equitable and sustainable communities. The course, NAU in Denmark: Hygge to Hashtags: Culture, Communication, and Social Design in Scandinavia, was led by Michelle B. Carpenter, the executive director of the School of Communication.
“The program teaches students to look at how Scandinavian design has historically addressed human needs through participatory and collaborative models,” Carpenter explained. “It also examines collaboration in Denmark and how the design methodology in Scandinavia invites designers, architects, scientists, businesses, governments, and communities to co-create solutions. Danish design has evolved over the years, and the collaborative model extends into digital culture, where design and social media play a decisive role in shaping design discourse, user participation, branding, and global visibility.”
The three-week program welcomed students from various fields, including communication studies, creative media and film, education, sports journalism, photography, and strategic communication. Participants engaged in interdisciplinary projects, lectures, studio visits, and immersive travel experiences, observing sustainable design practices firsthand. Highlights included a visit to Copenhill, a waste-to-energy plant that also serves as a recreational site for skiing and climbing. Students also experienced Denmark’s sustainable transportation system, which accommodates up to 47,000 bikes daily.
“Denmark is an incredible country that focuses on the ‘we,’ not the ‘me’,” Carpenter noted, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to quality of life and sustainable living. “Danish design focuses on democratizing design and creating beautiful, practical items for the people, not just the elite. Copenhagen is actively engaged in sustainable design and is dedicated to climate action and a high quality of life.”
Students visited various businesses to understand how Scandinavian designs integrate multiple disciplines. According to Olivia Kripal, a sophomore focusing on strategic communication and advertising, these experiences were invaluable. “We visited many Danish companies,” Kripal said. “Each of them provides their own insight and examples into the communication industry. On these visits, some classmates and I made it our mission to approach the company leaders after the presentations to practice our professional communication skills. By the end of the trip, I felt like I had made much improvement in the area and garnered some wonderful connections with people in Denmark. I learned so much about Danish culture and their way of life that surprised me in ways I could have never imagined.”
Alongside business visits, the group explored cultural landmarks such as the Danish Design Museum, Frederiksborg Slot, Kronborg Slot (Hamlet’s Castle), Rosenborg Slot, and the Viking Museum. They also visited fishing villages and the Danish Riviera, and participated in the 3 Days of Design event in Copenhagen, which showcases the evolution of Danish design.
Carpenter believes the course helped students not only view design and sustainability from a new perspective but also recognize international career opportunities. Kripal echoed this sentiment, stating, “Visiting so many wonderful companies helped me understand my career aspirations for the future. I learned a lot about communications and have a new sense of understanding within myself. This experience helped me learn that both independence and community lead to individual growth. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to feel more connected to themselves and the people around them.”
For more information about the NAU in Denmark: Hygge to Hashtags: Culture, Communication, and Social Design in Scandinavia faculty-led summer course and other similar courses, visit the NAU-led study abroad website.
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