Copenhagen, May 24th, 2023

Niels Otto studied marketing and communications in Denmark and worked for big agencies and organizations. But one day he realized he needed something different. He started doing digital and light installations and found a new career path. He now works on installations in Denmark, with his work being recognized by many. He runs his own studio Work of Otto.

In an interview with TIA, Otto described the inspiration behind his work and listed some of the recent projects he has been involved with. He also explained the process of creating an art installation from concept to final product and mentioned effective ways of designing experiences that are engaging and inclusive.

To kick off the interview, could you describe some of the ways in which Copenhagen’s natural and urban environments have influenced your lifestyle and creative work?

The underground techno scene has been a big influence and place for me to explore and grow for many years. The urban spots they transform into party sites are magical.

Copenhagen is a diverse architectural city, but I mostly enjoy getting out of Copenhagen to see other perspectives from nature, forests and other towns, to bring back inspiration for my work in Copenhagen.

What inspires me most are how people are using the city and how simple things like old intersections and weird old roads are being used by people today and how tourists can’t find their way through biking in Copenhagen. Thinking of how others experience what you know so well is a key part of my work.

I also love to see the sun and natural light throughout the day. How it reflects on windows, creates small rainbows through glass or warm places in the oddest places.

Which neighborhood of Copenhagen have you chosen to reside in?

The north-western part. It chose me really. But I love how it’s still not completely gentrified and still has some natural spots and some old Copenhagen feel.

The area is in heavy development though, so not long until it’s crowded like the rest of Copenhagen.

How do you typically structure your workday?

I look at the tasks I have at hand, list them up and start from an end. Usually creating my own tasks as well. Responding to emails more often and faster than I would like.

What inspired you to start Work of Otto?

Going through an education very focused on marketing and communication, I needed something to break off the big corp money and way of thinking, so I started doing weird digital things and light installations to learn something new, and through that I started getting more and more work through getting recognized in my work and broadening my network.

Could you give us an update on a project you’re currently working on and explain what it encompasses?

I just finished redesigning, concepting, installing and programming the lights for a night club in an old famous building of Copenhagen, called Søpavillonen. They needed a brand in terms of light and to get a more cohesive experience for the customers and VJs.

The setup is running on 32 LED bars, 17 moving heads, two lasers, and some spots for their disco balls and an UI for the VJ. Huge system with lots of fun possibilities for everyone. Everything is made in Touchdesigner. UI, lamps and lasers. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing technical crew which I managed through the process. The entire club is now a modern, yet delicate place for dancing and dining with a unique recognizable interior.

Another project is an experience fitness I made on Nordhavn in Copenhagen. They needed the feel of you being on top of a ski slope in Norway with glacial walls, and aurora borealis. We got a custom 190 RGB LED installations to cover their almost 40 m wall to create the northern lights via live code in Touchdesigner for their clients to get that extra feel on top of the normal fitness center machine workout.

How do you balance the need for innovation and experimentation with the practical requirements of meeting client expectations and delivering successful projects?

I also look at new innovative ways of doing my work and experiment a lot in my spare time, and then I try to sneak new and exciting technology into client projects without the hassle of trying to explain to the client what’s going on. I’m not too much into hype and hyped technologies, but if a client asks for something specific, modern tech, I’m always looking into the possibilities of implementing it.

Can you walk us through your process for creating an interactive installation, from concept to final product?

It always starts with the experience and feelings I want the user to have and trying to imagine what it’s like going through this installation.

Then I’ll try to figure out how to place the client product or message into that. The choice of mediums, light, sound, projection, etc, depends on what story the client wants to tell, and then the technical planning starts with how it all speaks together with both the experience and the message.

In your experience, what are some of the most effective ways to design experiences that are both engaging and inclusive?

By doing something people share and do together. Something that is all immersive and not necessarily something that is “SoMe friendly”. Think of the emotions first, then the branding of it. Use mediums people don’t see often, or use them in new fun ways to really immerse the audience completely.

In what ways do you think interactive sensory experiences can impact the wider fields of design, advertising, and art?

Because they very much talk to the senses of people, and people remember with their senses. The smell of a perfume, the sound of a machine from your childhood and so on. And it makes people curious about what happens when they can physically step into an experience. Therefore, it’s not just another 10 second soon-to-be-forgotten video on SoMe, but something people spend a lot of time in, talking to their friends about it organically.

What are the latest trends on the interactive installations scene?

AI. As with everything else I suppose. Making AI art and projecting it with fun effects. As I said, I don’t follow trends that much, but I’m still following along with what others are doing. Large scale installations, like LED screens several meters tall are also becoming a thing – even in smaller countries like Denmark. And that’s amazing. Can’t wait to see what exhibitions are coming with bigger screens.

Can you offer any advice to young creatives who are interested in pursuing a career in this industry?

Start looking into code. Node based, real time, game engines or whatever suits you. A lot of this stuff requires technical know-how which you can only get yourself, or partner up with someone who has the tech skills.

And find people to do it with. Groups and group dynamics to make it fun to build and explore are important. To me at least. And be realistic about the budget. It can be expensive to build certain things. Clients need to know that as well. But it pays off!

Invest in sensors and other physical-to-digital devices. They are a lot of fun to play around with!

Three top tools you can’t live without?

• Touchdesigner
• A powerful PC
• Bike

When taking a break, where do you feel most at peace?

In nature. Walking in forests, mountains, or being with friends and loved ones. I also find a lot of peace in my apartment with all my plants.

Are there any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path experiences in Copenhagen that visitors should make sure to do?

Cisternerne is a wonderful art exhibition place hidden underground.

Please share a fun-fact that not many people know about you

I taught myself how to wiggle/raise both eyebrows independently. Determined person right here.

Thanks Niels!

• Follow Niels in social media:

LinkedIn

• Follow Work of Otto in social media:

Instagram

CopenhagenImmersive experienceinteractive installationsLight Design