The House of the Future, a spiral-shaped structure featuring a helicopter pad and rolling glass windows, established Arne Jacobsen as an authority in modern design. Throughout his career in Denmark, he applied a functionalist perspective to both large-scale civic projects and the smallest interior details, influencing the development of furniture design and twentieth-century architecture.
Architectural Education and Early Work
Born in 1902 in Copenhagen, Jacobsen studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Kay Fisker and Kaj Gottlob. During his early years, he observed European rationalist architecture, including designs by Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. In 1929, he and Flemming Lassen gained public attention for their experimental House of the Future, which introduced domestic innovations such as an integrated garage and a private boathouse.
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Jacobsen gained prominence for his functionalist designs along the Øresund coast in Klampenborg. The Bellevue Sea Bath and the 1937 Bellevue Teatret formed a cohesive architectural statement, utilizing concrete, steel, and glass. Despite public debate regarding his avant-garde style, he continued to execute significant projects, including the Stelling House and the Århus City Hall, the latter of which features distinct offset volumes.
Wartime Exile and Post-war Development
He remained there for two years, focusing on textile and wallpaper design before returning to Denmark in 1945. His post-war work included the Allehusene complex and the Søholm terraced houses, the latter serving as his personal residence until his death.
Institutional Recognition and Design Legacy
Jacobsen achieved international recognition for his furniture designs and institutional buildings, such as the Munkegaard School and the SAS Royal Hotel. His work earned him the Eckersberg Medal in 1936, the C. F. Hansen Medal in 1955, and the Prince Eugen Medal in 1962. He was also a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, leaving a body of work that includes the Egg, the Swan, the Ant, and the Model 3107 chair.
Fast facts
- Born: 1902, Copenhagen
- Died: 1971, Copenhagen
- Education: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
- Notable Works: Bellevue Teatret, St Catherine's College, AJ-lamp
- Furniture Classics: Swan, Egg, Ant, Model 3107
- Awards: Eckersberg Medal (1936), C. F. Hansen Medal (1955), Prince Eugen Medal (1962)
- Burial Site: Ordrup Cemetery
- Citizenship: Germany, Kingdom of Denmark
Questions readers ask
Where is Arne Jacobsen buried?
He is buried at Ordrup Cemetery in Copenhagen.
What notable design awards did he receive?
He received the Eckersberg Medal in 1936, the C. F. Hansen Medal in 1955, and the Prince Eugen Medal in 1962.
Achievements
- Notable work: Bellevue Teatret
- Notable work: Rathaus Mainz
- Notable work: AJ-lamp
- Notable work: Egg
- Educated at Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
- Worked as architect, designer and furniture designer
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