The SKM Tables – Made in Danish Prisons

The Story Behind

The SKM tables in Building 313 have a history that few people know about: they were originally manufactured in Danish prisons. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was common for furniture commissioned by the Danish state to be produced by inmates as part of prison work programmes.
Today, the tables are located in the café area on the ground floor. They have been sanded, cleaned and either lacquered or oiled, depending on their original finish. Robust and still handsome, they now form a fascinating part of DTU’s cultural heritage and history.

SKM stands for Statens Kontormøbler (State Office Furniture). The furniture was produced in Danish prisons, providing inmates with an opportunity to undertake useful work and earn a small allowance.

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.