Community and change

Inspiring speeches, a fashion show, and impressive student projects filled the school, while seasonal flavours and a shared sing-along brought everyone together. At Carina Christensen’s inauguration reception, we were reminded that design is not only shaped by hands and minds – but by community and passion.

Rector Carina Christensen captured it perfectly when she described the school as a place with purpose – a place where ideas take form, where artistic processes meet complex social challenges, and where tradition and experimentation drive change.

To welcome Carina Christensen, Prorector Trine Lumbye and Chair of the Board Nanna Ulrich Duedahl both took the stage. In her speech, the latter emphasised the shared responsibility to ensure that the school not only operates and thrives, but continues to evolve – maintaining its position as an internationally relevant design institution.

Students Sofie Bruun Jørgensen, Julie Vagner Holmene, Hannah Bønning Kristensen and Kjartan Oftedal Nilsen also took to the stage. On behalf of the students and the Student Council, they presented Carina Christensen with a very special gift: a watermelon shaped like a bicycle helmet.

The gift referred to a humorous video created by the students during the recruitment process for a new rector. In the video, student Asbjørn Borreschmidt Barnkob promises to give the new – at that time still unknown – rector a hug if they put a watermelon on their head.

Today, Asbjørn finally got the chance to keep his promise.

If you’re having a tough day and want to signal that you could use a hug, just put it on, the students concluded with a smile.

A heartfelt thank you to all guests, partners, students, staff, and friends of the school for celebrating with us.