Jacobsen - By Carsten Thau and Kjeld Vindum

“The act of creation is equally exhilarating, whether one is working on a teaspoon or a national bank."
Arne Jacobsen

Photo: Dissing + Weitling
The only fixed place in the Lobby of the National Bank of Denmark (1965 - 71) is a stairway of glass and steel.

The authors, professor Carsten Thau and associate professor, architect Kjeld Vindum, worked on the book, the largest ever written about Arne Jacobsen, for ten years, constantly discovering new aspects of this natural talent that had to be investigated.
The first section describes his life, inspirations and results, while the second part contains detailed analyses of selected works.

Arne Jacobsen in “The Egg”.

From the early 1930s until his death in 1971, Arne Jacobsen designed and built more than 100 buildings and family houses in Denmark and abroad. Yet, Jacobsen is still best known Internationally for his iconic chairs, “The Egg,” “The Swan” and “The Ant”, that are as fresh and recognizable today as they were when he designed them.

Photo: Strüwing
Bellavista, Klampenborg (1934)

Bellevue Beach, Klampenborg, (1932)

In the 1930’s Jacobsen abandoned Neo-Classicism, taught at the Royal Academy during the 1920’s, and embraced International Modernism; absorbing new trends and transforming them to his own unique style. In Jacobsen’s complete control of proportions the classic architectural foundation is evident but , at the same time, there is a freedom from historic references.

Photo: Strüwing
Munkegård Elementary School (1948 - 57)
Søborg, Denmark

Photo: Strüwing
Søholm I - row houses (1950)
Arne Jacobsen lived in the end house until his death in 1972

A distinguished watercolor artist, constantly interested in new building and production methods, often experimenting with new materials to push his intentions as far as possible, Jacobsen’s talent was legendary.

Photo courtesy KAB
Ice Booth watercolor (1930’s)

Produced by Carl F
AJ door handle

Jacobsen had total control of all phases of the architecture process, from the first conceptual ideas to the design of the most simple hardware. This complete mastery, combined with a virtuosity unparalleled in Danish architecture is clearly revealed in this enormous book, which can be considered the most exhaustive treatment of the subject possible at this time.

The book is supplemented with a list of projects and an extensive index.
Available in English, German or Danish.

Arne Jacobsen
Authors: Carsten Thau and Kjeld Vindum
Publisher: Arkitektens Forlag
e-mail: eksp@arkfo.dk

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April 15, 2002

Jacobsen arcspace features