Maquette

“The Theater Ship” Maquette – A Fusion of Viking Spirit and Danish Stage Art

 

Concept of the Project

This maquette embodies a creative vision that merges the traditional Viking ship with the contemporary character of Danish theater. At the heart of the design lies a symbolic transformation — the Viking vessel, once used for conquest and travel, is reimagined as a miniature stage. It’s no longer a tool of war, but a platform of artistic expression — a message of peace and cultural dialogue that sails through time and space.

Development Stages of the Maquette

1. Vision and Planning (Sketch Phase)

The journey began with a hand-drawn sketch representing a top view of a Viking-style ship, redesigned with a theater inside:

  • Tiered seating arranged along the interior sides.
  • A small performance stage at the front, framed by red curtains.
  • Light placement ideas sketched along the rim to emphasize the theatrical ambiance.

2. Structural Construction (Woodworking Phase)

The sketch was then brought to life using natural wood materials:
  • Gradual building of tiered benches from neatly cut wooden panels.
  • Crafting a raised decorative edge inspired by traditional Nordic carving.
  • Internal support added to hold up the front stage structure.

3. Artistic and Theatrical Detailing

  • Decorative carvings added to the stage façade to enhance the artistic symbolism.

4. Lighting and Final Touches

  • LED strip lights added along the boat’s inner edge to create a glowing, magical look.
  • Carefully positioned lighting to highlight the texture of the wood and the softness of the curtains.
  • Polishing and painting selected parts to unify the aesthetic and enhance the visual richness.

Artistic Message

This piece delivers more than just visual

 beauty — it presents a symbolic intersection 

of history and art, a dialogue between the

physical power of Viking heritage and the

expressive force of theater. Through wood,

 light, and drapery, this maquette becomes

 a narrative of identity, transformation, and

 cultural evolution.

It stands as a timeless vessel where the

 enduring strength of ancient seafaring

 meets the imaginative world of modern

 storytelling — a harmonious blend that

 invites viewers to reflect on how tradition

 can be reshaped through art to inspire new cultural narratives.