We are dedicated to advancing Danish American relations through the exchange of people, ideas and cultural experiences
Through a Danish exhibition, Boliglaboratorium (The Housing Lab), this Fall we begin to explore ways to develop housing that addresses some of the greatest challenges of our time. The Housing Lab surfaces current global issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, new family patterns, loneliness, shrinking rural communities, and how to address urban space as big cities struggle to keep up with the influx of newcomers.
> Read MoreSince 2008 Scan Design Foundation has partnered with the University of Washington College of Built Environments to develop the SDF Interdisciplinary Master Studio program for graduate students. The program has been expertly led by UW Professor Emeritus, Nancy Rottle. Before each studio, students travel to Copenhagen, Denmark to visit the office of the renowned Copenhagen firm Gehl Architects and see the city through its people-centered urban design lens. In four past studios, students focused their projects on the Seattle Waterfront. 14 years after the studios, influence from Denmark can be detected in this new addition to Seattle's cityscape:
> Read MoreThe story of the founders of Scan Design Foundation, Jens and Inger Bruun, is now on History Link. We commissioned writer, Rosemary Jones, to conduct research to tell their story and the origins of Scan Design Foundation. Read about their their lives, loves & legacy in their journey from their native home in Denmark to their adopted home in the US:
> Read MoreNorthwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King is a public art project that debuted Summer 2023! Presented by Scan Design Foundation, the exhibition features six giant hand-built troll sculptures by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. This project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Danish/Scandinavian traditions. The trolls are located on publicly-accessible sites around the Pacific Northwest, carrying with them an environmental message to share with their visitors.
Catch up on our past newsletters!
> Read MoreScan Design Foundation partners offer learning opportunities. Learn about the programs and what to expect if you’re participating in them.
learn moreInger and Jen's generous spirits live on in the efforts of this Foundation, and continue the legacy of caring and giving that were so much a part of their lives.
our storyTwo separate, independent foundations co-exist to carry out the intent of Inger and Jens Bruun. Both organizations have been operating since 2002.