Arne Jacobsen

Arne Jacobsen was amongst those most influential designs and architects of the 20^th century. This product and architecture designer illustrate a combination of both a modernist ideal and a Nordic love of naturalism.

Jacobsen was in belief that the design that had to do with every element in a building had to be in harmony with the other. This elegance can be shown in classics such as the Swan, Egg and Ant chair, and also the stainless steel abstract cutlery.

During the World War Two, the demand for architectural commissions decreased, even so due to a lack in construction material. During this war he was to be threatened by the occupation in Denmark of the Nazi, and in 1943 he left the country to Sweden. The Scandinavian rich cultural heritage and natural beauty was an inspiration and influence on him.

In 1945, when he returned to Denmark, the country was in an urgent need for new housing and public buildings. The designs that Jacobsen did in the late 1940s houses, were meant to be built fast due to the immediate need for it. However, later projects which occurred during the 1950s were a result of experimental work such as the Allehusene complex. Furthermore, around this time, Jacobsen showed an increase in interest in product design, it was Ray and Charles Eames who inspired Jacobsen.

Ant Chair

Around this time he was also working on a chair made of plywood, a material that he had used before. In order to make sure that his design was not too similar to the moulded-plywood chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames, he had a model sent to him for comparison from the United States. His Ant chair was a stroke of genius. Its design was a clear rejection of the conventions of Danish furniture, rooted in traditional craftsmanship. It was also one of the first chairs that was suitable for mass production. It consisted of just two main components which were the seat and the legs and an additional connection element. Its simplicity and the minimal use of materials made it extremely economical. Over five million Ant chairs have been sold since production began in the early 1950s.

Series 7

This design was accompanied by the Series 7 chair of the 1955 Model 3107; having an hourglass form. Similarly to the one before it, this chair was brilliantly designed for a modern living since it is light, solid and easily stackable. 

SAS Ari Terminal and Royal Hotel

Jacobsen was also responsible for the design of the SAS Ari Terminal and Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. He designed everything in collaboration to the hotel, from the skyscraping structure to the ceramic ashtrays sold in the souvenir shop and the stainless steel cutlery. Jacobsen’s famous Swan and Egg chairs are also a collaboration to the design of this establishment.

Egg Chair

The Egg chair is one of the victories of Jacobsen’s whole design. This had a sculptural contrast to the building’s almost entirely vertical and horizontal surfaces. The Egg emerged from a new technique, which Jacobsen was the first to use. It comprised of a strong foam inner shell underneath the upholstery. Similarly to what a sculptor would do, Jacobsen struggled to find the shell’s perfect shape in clay. Because of the unique shape, the Egg guarantees a bit of privacy in public spaces and the Egg is perfect for both the lounge and waiting areas as well as the household.

Cylinda-Line

Apart from the Egg and Swan chair, he was also responsible for the Cylinda Line stainless steel cocktail kit and tableware which he designed in the late 1960s for Stelton. It was not before three years, when he finished the project producting a collection of 17 objects which were all based on the shape of a cylinder.

Peter Holmblad, the director of Stelton, wanted to create a new Danish design brand. The concept behind Cylinda-Line was to create a tea and coffee service, including also bowls, an ice bucket and pitchers, for the dining table and would be manufactured in Stelton Stainless Steel. It was their cylindrical shapes and the characteristic shaped handle that branded the line, together with its brushed steel surfaces. Jacobsen designed each piece in the Cylinda-Line in association to each other piece to achieve and guarantee a harmonious table setting. Furthermore, a tranquil feeling induced by the use of stainless steel enhances each pieces exceptional function when used.

Bibliography:

Fitzsu.com. Cylinda Line Stainless steel. [Online] Available at: http://www.fitzsu.com/stelton-arne-jacobsen-cylinda-line/ [Accessed on 16th January 2014]

Design Museum. Arne Jacobsen/Design Museum Collection. [Online] Available at: http://designmuseum.org/design/arne-jacobsen [Accessed on 15th January 2014]