Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen: A Pioneer of Modern Design
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Arne Emil Jacobsen was a Danish architect, designer, and town planner born on February 11, 1902. He is commonly referred to as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 11, 1902
Died: March 24, 1971 (aged 69)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Danish by birth, Jacobsen was a renowned architect, designer, and town planner. His work spanned multiple disciplines, including architecture, furniture design, textiles, and ceramics.
Early Life and Background
Arne Jacobsen grew up in a family of modest means in the Copenhagen suburb of Ordrup. His father, Morten Petersen Jacobsen, was an accountant, while his mother, Agnes Jacobsen (née Meyer), came from a family of artists. This cultural blend would later influence Jacobsen's creative pursuits.
Jacobsen developed an interest in drawing and architecture at an early age. He began attending the Technical College of Architecture in Copenhagen in 1916 but dropped out due to poor grades. Instead, he pursued a career in engineering, which led him to work for several architectural firms before establishing his own practice.
Major Accomplishments
Jacobsen's professional journey took off with the commission to design the SAS Royal Hotel (now known as the Radisson Collection) in Copenhagen, completed in 1960. This project would become a defining moment in his career, showcasing his innovative and modernist approach to architecture and interior design.
Other notable works by Jacobsen include:
St. Catherine's College Chapel (1946-1951), Oxford University
National Bank of Denmark Headquarters (1934-1935)
* Bellevue School (1929-1933)
Notable Works or Actions
Jacobsen's designs often featured clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on functionality. He was known for his innovative use of materials and techniques, which earned him numerous awards and accolades.
One notable example is the Egg Chair, designed in 1958 as a collaboration with Fritz Hansen. The chair's sleek design and clever engineering have made it an iconic piece of furniture, still widely used today.
Impact and Legacy
Arne Jacobsen's impact on modern design cannot be overstated. His work has influenced generations of architects, designers, and artists. He is remembered for pushing the boundaries of what was possible in design, introducing new materials, and experimenting with innovative forms.
Jacobsen's legacy extends beyond his buildings and furniture designs. He played a significant role in shaping Denmark's modernist architectural movement and contributing to the country's rich cultural heritage.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Arne Jacobsen's quotes often reflect his passion for design, functionality, and simplicity. His philosophy on design emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
One notable quote from Jacobsen highlights his commitment to simplicity: "The most difficult thing is to do nothing when it would be better to do something."
As a pioneer of modern design, Arne Jacobsen continues to inspire designers, architects, and artists around the world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of innovative thinking and the importance of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Quotes by Arne Jacobsen
On the other hand, I don't understand the enthusiasm for everything in the antique shop that Grandma threw out. There, the sense of quality has declined; otherwise Grandma wouldn't have thrown it out.
But inspiration? – That’s when you come home from abroad and are asked: Well, have you found inspiration? – and fortunately you haven’t. But the impressions sink in, of course, and may emerge later: None of us has invented the house; that was done many thousands of years ago.
When I travel, I draw and paint sketches which is great fun. And as long as you are fully aware that it has nothing to do with actual art, I think that’s all right.
I don’t see that any buildings should be excluded from the term architecture, as long as they are done properly.
On the other hand, I don’t understand the enthusiasm for everything in the antique shop that Grandma threw out. There, the sense of quality has declined; otherwise Grandma wouldn’t have thrown it out.
Carrying out the thing, getting it to the point when one might say: There, now it is good – that point is hard to reach. Often, one sets very high goals for oneself. Perhaps too high.
It may sound affected – but it is the act of creation itself, and it is equally exhilarating whether one is working on a teaspoon or a national bank.