“Research shows that art can boost creativity and reduce stress, and when you add better acoustics, the effect is even greater,” says Morten Kaaber, CEO and founder of Paper Collective, a Copenhagen-based platform that curates global contemporary art and design.
It has now partnered with Swedish design brand Zilenzio to launch Dezibel Art – acoustic panels that are as visually pleasing as they are functional. For more than two decades, Zilenzio has been working to create acoustic solutions that shape the atmosphere of interiors, from workplaces, schools, hotels to restaurants, so this collaboration has felt like a natural fit.
Both brands share a clear design philosophy that is rooted in creativity and a deep understanding of how spaces affect people’s wellbeing. “There’s a great synergy between the technical abilities of the Zilenzio range and the visual strength of our curated art,” explains Kaaber. “In our own way, both companies aim to improve living and working environments – one through function, the other through beauty.”
Each acoustic panel is printed with art chosen from Paper Collective’s extensive catalogue – a collection spanning paintings, photography and graphic work. The result is a range that can fit into anywhere from offices to restaurants or even homes. “We wanted to create rooms that people actually want to stay in,” says Hans Bergström, CEO of Zilenzio. “With Dezibel Art, it’s more than just a picture on the wall. It’s about creating a sense of calm and inspiration through both sight and acoustics.”
Behind the elegant surface lies meticulous technical development. Achieving high acoustic performance by using stone wool insulation while maintaining the integrity of the artwork required both precision and collaboration. “We had to find the perfect balance,” says Daniel Helldén, customer project manager at Zilenzio. “An effective sound absorber needs a certain thickness, while art prints are usually thin. I’m really happy with how we’ve combined the two – it’s truly the best of both worlds.”
For Paper Collective, the partnership also opens up a new dimension to what art can be and do. “We’ve always worked at the intersection of art and design,” says Kaaber. “With Dezibel Art, we can bring that vision to life – artworks that not only tell a personal story but also improve the human experience of a space.”
Photography by Zilenzio
Find out more via Zilenzio’s website here and Paper Collective’s website here.
