The Magnus Olesen 8000 Series – 1990s Classics in a New Colour

The Story Behind

These chairs were originally found with blue and black seats, colours commonly seen in institutional settings during the 1990s.
Today, they have been spray-painted in a grey finish that is echoed across several of the refurbished furniture pieces in the building. They are a good example of how a rather anonymous piece of furniture can be given a new lease of life with the right design intervention.

The new chair from the Magnus Olesen 8000 Series (left) and the original version (right). Photo: Bax Lindhardt

The Magnus Olesen 8000 Series in Building 313, the Climate Challenge Laboratory. Photo: Bax Lindhardt

Climate Challenge Laboratory - A Living Showroom

Throughout Building 313, also known as the Climate Challenge Laboratory, DTU Campus Service has worked to create an interior where existing DTU furniture has been given a new lease of life. The design approach respects both the building’s architecture and the principles of universal design, accommodating a wide range of user needs.
The building now serves as a living showroom, demonstrating how reused furniture can be integrated into modern work and learning environments. The hope is that both users and visitors will be inspired to incorporate more repurposed furniture into future interior projects – including furniture from DTU’s own storage facilities – for the benefit of society and the environment.