Arne Jacobsen's Approach to Livable Design

Arne Jacobsen, a preeminent architect and designer of the 20th century, profoundly influenced how individuals experience their surroundings. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Jacobsen initially aspired to be a painter before entering the Architecture School at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1924.

His diverse background and training led him to craft designs that, while modernist in form, consistently prioritized human interaction and comfort. Jacobsen's method yielded iconic pieces, showcasing enduring precision and a subtle warmth that made groundbreaking aesthetics approachable.

Pioneering Spaces: Redefining Seating and Shared Environments

Jacobsen's design philosophy marked a new era. He moved beyond the decorative traditions of his time, favoring pure form and inherent utility. This forward-thinking perspective was evident from his youth; as a child in Copenhagen, he famously painted his bedroom walls entirely white, a radical departure from the ornate Victorian wallpapers popular in the early 20th century. This early inclination toward simplicity and clarity foreshadowed his impactful career. He cites being inspired by avant-garde architects like Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius during his studies.

In 1929, just two years after graduating, Jacobsen won first prize for "The House of the Future" at a Copenhagen exhibition. This ultramodern, spiral-shaped, flat-roofed structure of glass and concrete, complete with a private garage, boathouse, and helicopter pad, established him as a leading visionary in Danish modernism.

The Paris Chair, Jacobsen's very first furniture piece designed in 1925, earned him an impressive silver medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. This elegant Art Deco-inspired chair features striking, commanding curves. It functions as both sculpture and comfortable lounge seating, with a gracefully contoured back and seat. Its round armrests, with woven details resembling sun rays, contribute to this functional sculpture's distinct character. Handcrafted by skilled wicker artisans from sustainably sourced natural rattan cane, this piece offers enduring appeal in any setting.

Harmonizing Elements:

From Architecture to Furniture

Jacobsen's genius lay in his ability to apply a consistent design language across vastly different scales—from grand architectural projects to the smallest interior details. His meticulous process, often involving hand-painted watercolor sketches, ensured every element contributed to a unified whole. This holistic approach is why his furniture feels intrinsically linked to the spaces they inhabit.

The Charlottenborg Sofa, designed in 1936, showcases his signature use of distinctive parallel curves, blending strength with fluidity for a noteworthy addition to any room. It’s often paired with the Charlottenborg Table, which features a natural rattan base with a round top and tempered glass inset.

Jacobsen’s work often included bespoke furniture, like the Tobias Teak Table from 1935, designed for wholesaler Helge Wandel's villa.

Similarly, the St Catherine Teak Bench was created for his first major international project, St Catherine College in Oxford in the late 1950s. Sika Design has breathed new life into these designs with updated materials that blend seamlessly into any space.

Legacy in Materials:

Jacobsen's Vision for Enduring Quality

Arne Jacobsen’s designs frequently reflect a deep affinity for the natural world. His preference for organic forms and natural materials is a consistent thread throughout his work. Sika Design honors this heritage by offering many of Jacobsen’s designs using modern, advanced materials to ensure longevity.

Sika Design's AluRattan™ material, featuring a strong aluminum frame woven with ArtFibre™ (a weather-resistant, rattan-look synthetic fiber), enables these classic designs to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.

This ensures their aesthetic appeal and comfort can extend beyond traditional interiors, fostering organic connections to nature. They also provide exceptional durability and require minimal maintenance.

Arne Jacobsen’s comprehensive body of work offers an exemplary model for creating designs that never become dated. His unwavering dedication to quality, his pioneering spirit, and his distinctive fusion of sculptural beauty with practical utility have ensured his creations remain perpetually fresh and compelling.

By selecting Jacobsen’s designs, you choose furniture that provides sophisticated comfort while elevating your space through the rich heritage of a true European design pioneer. These pieces stand as fundamental elements, contributing to an environment's lasting character, profound comfort, and a subtle yet powerful sense of artistic heritage.

Shop Arne Jacobsen Designs