NÆRVÆR | Norm Architects

Norm Architects has created the latest sweet spot in Copenhagen for close and intimate gatherings called Nærvær. Nærvær means "Presence" and is about exactly that — the thing that we are all longing for; time for each other, being attentive and making eye contact. In its essence, Nærvær is about being in the moment, being present.

With the ambition to create a local wine bar and restaurant emphasised by an intimate and cosy atmosphere that underlines a sense of presence, Nærvær is located in a fairly new and contemporary building. Situated in a prime location of Christianshavn overlooking the canal with a beautiful view Copenhagen's old city centre, this new place hosts a local winebar as well as an intimate and high-end gourmet restaurant with seating for no more than 10 people. Welcoming Copenhageners as much as the rest of the world, it is a spot where locals and foreigners alike can share great and affordable wines from around the world, as well as a taste of the french kitchen.

With a humble and intimate approach to the interior, Nærvær is formed by a casual atmosphere with small spaces and niches for guests to enjoy. With an interior design defined by an array of stone, wood and metal, the materials are all natural and have deliberately been altered in order to create dark and industrial surfaces that matches the mood of the place. This conscious focus on tactility brings a warm, material richness to the interior that naturally compliments the raw concrete walls and industrial framework of the space.

Paying respect to the existing features of the space and surrounding area, the colour palette reflects the exterior of the building, bringing a dark and warm spectrum of colours into the space that intensifies the intimacy. This contrasting use of materials, colours and objects ultimately enhances the intimate experience and sense of presence that was the initial catalyst for the project.

While dwelling on the concept, the owners dreamt of creating a winebar that everyone could afford to visit and where being a regular would actually be rewarded. As one of the owners mentioned "I discovered that a glass of wine at the winebar I used to visit became more and more expensive. Nobody cared if I dropped by once or twice a week and spend my money with them.” This sparked the idea of creating a series of private wine boxes that always could be filled with new grapes from different regions, rewarding regulars and allowing them to explore new wines at affordable prices. In addition, a laidback, friendly yet knowing staff is always there to help you choose the right wine rather than handing over a dictionary to get lost in.

Presence is also at the essence of Nærvær’s gourmet restaurant run by well known Danish chef Yves Le Lay. His vision was to have an extraordinary experience within the inner part of Nærvær where he would not be hidden away from guests behind steaming pots in the kitchen. Instead, he wished to be out in the open, facing each and every guest — all night. Here, the kitchen is the scene and the guests the audience, experiencing the live engagement and artistry of the chef directly every night. With a high bar surrounding him and his small team, the restaurant has no set menu and no 2-hour seatings. Furthermore the kitchen is french at its core, combined with the simplicity and freshness of the danish.