Arne Jacobsen

​Born in Copenhagen, Jacobsen's journey into the realm of design began with his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, wherehe graduated in 1927. His early career was marked by a diverse range of projects, from residential homes to public buildings, each showcasing his exceptional talent for creating harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environments.

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One of Jacobsen's most renowned works from the early years of his career was the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, completed in 1960. This landmark building, with its distinctive curved facade and minimalist interiors, became a symbol of Jacobsen's signature style - a perfect blend of modernist principles and Danish functionalism.

 

The Last Decade of Arne Jacobsen's Legendary Career

In the last decade of his life, Arne Jacobsen continued to push the boundaries of design, creating some of his most iconic and enduring furniture pieces.

 

Here are his top 9 furniture and lighting designs from this period:

1. The Egg Chair (1958): Jacobsen's most famous creation, the Egg Chair, is a testament to his mastery of form and function. This sculptural armchair, with its distinctive organic shape, became an instant classic and has remained a symbol of mid-century modern design.

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2. The Swan Chair (1958): Designed alongside the Egg Chair, the Swan Chair is another iconic piece that showcases Jacobsen's keen eye for ergonomics and aesthetics. Its fluid, curving form provides exceptional comfort and support.

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3. The Series 7 Chair (1955): This versatile and stackable chair, with its distinctive bent plywood frame, became one of Jacobsen's most commercially successful designs, making it accessible to a wide audience.

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4. The Ant Chair (1952): Featuring a lightweight, three-legged design, the Ant Chair was an innovative breakthrough in the use of bent plywood. Its minimalist aesthetic and functional design made it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

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5. The Drop Chair (1958): Jacobsen's exploration of organic forms continued with the Drop Chair, a sculptural armchair that resembles a single continuous curve.

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6. The Oxford Chair (1965): Commissioned for the University of Oxford, this executive chair combined Jacobsen's signature attention to detail with a sophisticated, high-backed design.

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7. The AJ Lamp (1960): Jacobsen's AJ Lamp, with its distinctive angular shade, was a masterpiece of minimalist lighting design, becoming a staple in many modern interiors.

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8. The Super Ellipse Table (1968): Inspired by the mathematical concept of the super ellipse, this dining table exemplified Jacobsen's fascination with geometric shapes and his ability to translate them into functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.

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9. The Lily Chair (1967): Jacobsen's Lily Chair, with its delicate, flower-inspired silhouette, showcased his talent for creating sculptural furniture pieces that seamlessly blended art and function.

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Key Quotes from Arne Jacobsen:

"The sun never sets on good design."

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"Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union."

 

"I work with the material until I discover the spirit of the object."

 

"Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space."

 

"Good design is where you don't notice it."

 

Arne Jacobsen's legacy as a visionary architect and designer continues to inspire and influence the world of design today. His unwavering commitment to creating functional, yet aesthetically pleasing, environments has made him a revered figure in the annals of design history. Jacobsen's work stands as a testament to the power of design to transform the way we experience and interact with the world around us.