Scan Design Foundation

06/01/2026

What if the most powerful stories aren't found on a shelf—but in a conversation? Originating in Denmark, the Human Library invites people to borrow human beings instead of books, creating opportunities for open dialogue that challenge stereotypes and build understanding. Through conversations with individuals sharing lived experiences—from mental health and migration to life in Greenland—readers discover the power of curiosity, empathy, and human connection.

In a special offer, free library cards are available to the first 25,000 people who want to have a conversation:
https://www.humanlibrarycard.com/

SDF is a proud sponsor of this initiative.

As we navigate an increasingly complex world, initiatives like the Human Library remind us that meaningful conversations can bridge divides and help us see one another beyond labels.

If you missed the CBS Sunday Morning program yesterday, the recording of the segment on the Human Library is now available:

At a very special library in Copenhagen, Denmark, the "books" being checked out are actual human beings. The Human Library, founded 26 years ago, offers 30-minute conversations with living books on a wealth of subjects, and is now available in 80 countries (including the United States) and online. C...

05/30/2026

This is a great opportunity to hear from our partners at the Human Library Organization in Copenhagen as they celebrate their 25th anniversary of building social cohesion. Tune in to CBS Sunday Morning to learn more about the digital library card give-away!

05/28/2026

Last week-end, our President, Fidelma McGinn, traveled with her daughter to experience first-hand the festivities at Tivoli Fest Elk Horn Iowa '26. It was a great way to celebrate the long-standing friendship between Denmark & the US 🇩🇰🇺🇸🇩🇰🇺🇸

The Dannebrog and Stars & Stripes were flying proudly! Between the community-spirited parade, to a tour of the inner workings of the Danish Windmill, a curator tour of the current exhibit 'Vikingmania' at the Museum of Danish America, a chance to meet another Thomas Dambo troll, Fjord Faergemand, & wrapping up with a festive fairworks display, it was a whirlwind ❤️

Tusind tak to everyone who made it so special. So much fun packed into one weekend! Skål!

05/25/2026

Yesterday, ARKEN Museum for Samtidskunst in Denmark opened The Garbage Man by Danish recycle artist, Thomas Dambo. This immersive exhibition combines imagination, play, and lessons in sustainability. You may know Thomas Dambo's work from the Northwest Trolls exhibition (2023-present), featuring six giant trolls built from recycled materials. Dambo invites visitors to rethink waste, consumption, and our shared responsibility for the future.

📍 If you find yourself in Denmark soon, be sure to visit Arken - the exhibit is on view through November 29, 2026

ARKEN is opening a new, imaginative exhibition universe created by the world-renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

05/22/2026

Our very first CIEE Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns have arrived safely in Copenhagen and have officially begun their internships this week! The students are excited to begin their broader sustainability learning experiences.

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange

05/21/2026

What happens when students bring ideas home and turn inspiration into action? 🌱🌊 🇩🇰

After an immersive sustainable design experience in Denmark, students from Western Washington University transformed what they learned into real-world impact on Bellingham’s waterfront—designing and installing community-centered infrastructure built with sustainability, local materials, and public life in mind. The study trip to Denmark along with pre- and post- trip workshops was masterfully led by COurban.

From recycled wood seating and native plantings to creative wayfinding and gathering spaces, these projects show how international exchange can spark local change.

At Scan Design Foundation, we’re proud to support experiences that connect Danish and American ideas, empower the next generation of leaders, and create lasting community impact.

Read more:
https://www.scandesignfoundation.org/stories/wwu-students-design-install-sustainable-infrastructure-to-bellinghams-waterfront

This article was originally written for WWU News by Mikayla King, who covers the College of Science and Engineering and Woodring College of Education for University Communications. The original story was published on April 27, 2026.

05/20/2026

From her home in Copenhagen, Fulgebjerg-born Danish independent consultant FREDERIKKE MØLLER talks about her recent role as cultural advisor with the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C. and her passion facilitating Danish art and culture in the US. Frederikke shares her thoughts on the changing US cultural scene, and describes her current projects with Seattle's National Nordic Museum and her dream to work on collaborations among Nordic cultures.

Danish Originals is a podcast series that spotlights Danes who have made a significant impact in the US in the areas of creativity, originality, and innovation.

Frederikke has been a close partner to Scan Design Foundation in the last few years and has collaborated on various projects with us, including the development of the recent USA DK Alliance.

From her home in Copenhagen, Fulgebjerg-born Danish independent consultant FREDERIKKE MØLLER talks about her recent role as cultural advisor with the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C. and her passion facilitating Danish art and culture in the US. Frederikke shares her thoughts on the changing US c...

05/15/2026

Last night, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Robert Strand from UC Berkeley to Seattle to speak about his new book, “Nordic Capitalism” at the National Nordic Museum. Dr. Strand spoke enthusiastically about his book that compares the Nordic Model of Capitalism to the one found in the US, while asking: 'Can capitalism be sustainable?' He offered his perspectives on what societies, including the USA, can learn from the Nordic Model. Thank you Dr. Strand for your insightful contributions!

Dr. Robert Strand is the Executive Director of the University of California Berkeley Nordic Center, a partner of SDF in providing student exchanges to Denmark!

Read his new book online (free acess): https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/nordic-capitalism/nordic-capitalism/C50A7E34A6482BA63CE8F63AE5EF2DA6

Photo 1: Fidelma McGinn (President of SDF), Line Liblik Larsen (SDF Sr. Program Officer), Dr. Robert Strand (ED UCBerkeley Nordic Center), Bodil Stevns (SDF Vice Chair of the Board)

Photo 2 +3 : Dr. Robert Strand

Photo 4: Lath Carlson (ED National Nordic Museum) and Dr. Robert Strand

05/13/2026

Former US Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, is interviewed by Nicolai Rottbøll in the most recent episode of the podcast, Danish Originals. Their thoughtful conversation reflects on diplomacy, Denmark–U.S. relations, Greenland, and the evolving transatlantic landscape.

Listen in on their chat as they explore the power of connection, cultural understanding, and leadership in uncertain times.

05/06/2026

Join the conversation on how Nordic ideas are shaping a more sustainable future 🌍

On May 14, the National Nordic Museum is hosting a thought-provoking talk with Robert G. Strand on his new book, "Nordic Capitalism: Lessons for Realizing Sustainable Capitalism". Dr. Strand will explore how democratic capitalism can support both prosperity and social well-being.

Robert Strand is the founding Executive Director at the Nordic Center at UC Berkeley. UC Berkeley is a Scan Design Foundation partner - SDF has funded study tours to Denmark for students.

📍 Seattle | 🗓 May 14
Register and join the discussion on building a more sustainable future: https://nordicmuseum.org/events/nordic-innovation-series-meet-the-author-nordic-capitalism

Join Robert G. Strand for a timely and thought-provoking talk on his new book Nordic Capitalism – Lessons for Realizing Sustainable Capitalism, published by Cambridge University Press in April 2026. Blending rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, this book speaks to scholars, busines...