Saxogade is a lively social shopping street in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, stretching approximately 650 meters from Vesterbrogade in the north to Dybbølsgade in the south. It features a diverse range of businesses, including Café Sonja, Saxo Cykler, and the toy and hairdresser shop Ruben and Bobby. Uniquely, all the shops on Saxogade are social enterprises, operated by the social NGO Settlementet Vesterbro since 1986. Their mission is to foster a respectful work community in the street, aiming to help people re-enter the workforce.

Saxogade's new look

In close collaboration with Saxogade's businesses, arki_lab has developed a design proposal to upgrade the street's appearance. The design incorporates new façade colours that harmonize with Saxogade's existing graphic identity, along with new awnings, street lighting, and signage to invite visitors in. The goal was to reflect the vibrant energy of the community, which hosts numerous events and social gatherings.  

Cafe Sonja: A New Vision

Café Sonja has been a staple in Saxogade since 1986, serving as an important meeting point and actively contributing to the community through various events. In March 2025, Café Sonja partnered with arki_lab to optimize its space for both staff and guests. The redesign aimed to improve workflow for employees, enhance flexibility for hosting events, and create more space for guests. The new layout adopts a 'frontend'/'backend' principle, with seating areas and the bar more connected to the street, while food production, storage, and staff rooms are given more space and better connections. This improves working conditions for staff and makes the guest area more attractive through increased visibility and connection to the street.