Designers & Architects
Arne Jacobsen
A dominant element in forming and shaping the quintessential Danish aesthetic was Arne Jacobsen's foresight.
A dominant element in forming and shaping the quintessential Danish aesthetic was Arne Jacobsen's foresight. The architect who envisioned Modern design at a time when it was non existent in Denmark, Arne's talent & creative prowess was visible primarily in his furniture designs. Born in Copenhagen, on 11 February, 1902, Arne showed his love for simple, minimal and functional design even as a child by painting his bedroom walls white, walls that were covered with Victorian wallpaper!
After studying at The Technical College in Copenhagen, Arne went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1927. His collaboration with the architect Flemming Lassen, won them the House of the Future award from the Danish Architect’s Association. The success made him realize that he could open his own firm and he started it in 1929. One of his great accomplishments is the Bellavista Housing Estate, completed in 1933 at Klampenborg, near Copenhagen, where every house has a sea facing view! A feat that cannot be achieved by architects even now.
The much sought-after Scandinavian aesthetic, was cumulatively created and spread across the world by Scandinavian designers who have god-like status in Nordic countries. Arne, being one of these, is fondly remembered for the cutlery set he designed in 1957, his Louis Poulsen lamp, his Ant chair, Egg chair, Swan chair and Model 3107 chair. If you take a look at the cutlery set (picture below), you will find it hard to believe that it was designed in 1957! The curved design made of matte stainless steel is timeless and has been featured in numerous movies! A much celebrated designer, ironically, Arne disliked the word, "designer" and refrained from using it.
Another feather in his cap was the design of the SAS Royal Hotel in 1960, the first high-rise in Copenhagen. Arne was both the architect and the interior designer for this project. Arne favoured clean lines, smooth shapes with a strong focus on details. He gave a lot of importance to aesthetics and that's why his designs are classics and have a cult following.
Labeled as the best chair designer in the world, Arne Jacobsen is the most ingenious, original and inventive furniture designer of all times.
FAQs
Arne Jacobsen was a Danish architect and designer, born on February 11, 1902, in Copenhagen. He is best known for pioneering modern Danish design and for his iconic furniture pieces like the Ant Chair, Egg Chair, and Series 7 Chair.
Arne Jacobsen played a dominant role in forming the quintessential Danish aesthetic—focusing on simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. His foresight and creativity helped shape what is now globally recognized as Scandinavian design.
His most iconic designs include:
Ant Chair (1952)
Series 7 / Model 3107 Chair (1955)
Egg Chair (1958)
Swan Chair and Sofa (1958)
Cutlery Set (1957)
All of these pieces are considered timeless classics and are still in production.
Designed in 1952, the Ant Chair was one of the first examples of pressure-molded sliced veneer furniture. It represented a breakthrough in material use and modern aesthetics, making it a staple of Scandinavian furniture.
The Series 7 Chair, also known as Model 3107, was designed in 1955 and is produced exclusively by Fritz Hansen. It is one of the most sold stacking chairs in design history and is known for its ergonomic form and versatile style.
Arne Jacobsen was both the architect and interior designer of the SAS Royal Hotel, completed in 1960 in Copenhagen. It was the city’s first high-rise and showcased a complete design by Jacobsen—from the building to the furniture.
Designed in 1958 specifically for the SAS Royal Hotel, the Egg Chair exemplifies Jacobsen’s love for organic shapes and privacy-enhancing furniture. It remains one of the most recognizable and celebrated chairs in modern furniture design.
Jacobsen often used molded plywood, stainless steel, and leather. His emphasis was on clean lines, ergonomic forms, and timeless finishes—ensuring that his designs remain relevant even decades later.
Yes, he also designed cutlery, lighting (e.g., for Louis Poulsen), and full interiors. His 1957 stainless steel cutlery set is especially noteworthy and has been featured in several films due to its futuristic look.
Despite being one of the most celebrated figures in design, Arne Jacobsen disliked the word "designer". He considered himself an architect first and saw design as a natural extension of architecture, not a standalone title.
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) was a renowned Danish architect and designer, celebrated for his contributions to modernist architecture and furniture design. He is famous for combining functionalism with elegant, minimalist aesthetics, influencing both interiors and product design worldwide.
Key contributions:
Architectural works: Designed iconic buildings such as the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and the National Bank of Denmark.
Furniture designs: Created timeless pieces like the Egg Chair, Swan Chair, and Series 7 Chair, which remain popular today.
Design philosophy: Emphasized clean lines, organic forms, and practicality, blending beauty with everyday functionality.
Jacobsen’s work continues to inspire modern architecture and Scandinavian interior design.
