The World’s First Designer Hotel: Celebrating Arne Jacobsen’s Vision.
Arne Jacobsen’s vision for the SAS Royal Hotel extended far beyond its architecture. The renowned architect meticulously designed nearly every aspect of the hotel, from the structure itself to the furniture and fittings.
A Singular Talent
In his early years, there was little indication that Arne Jacobsen would rise to become one of the 20th century's most influential architects. As a student at Miss Adler’s School in Copenhagen, Jacobsen's academic performance was modest, and he often struggled to sit still. His behaviour was disruptive in geography lessons, and he would sometimes leave math class early. However, there was one area in which young Arne excelled: drawing.
Arne Jacobsen’s preference for simplicity was evident from a young age. Growing up in a Victorian house in Østerbro, Copenhagen, surrounded by clutter, he requested that the walls of his room be painted white. This desire for minimalism, likely influenced by the independent spirit of his school, would become the hallmark of his design ethos, one that embraced clean lines and modern forms.
The Timeless Appeal of the Turnkey Concept at the SAS Royal Hotel
The SAS Royal Hotel was lauded for its international style, yet it embraced something distinctly Danish—a harmony that resonated throughout both the building’s structure and its interior design. Every element was carefully crafted, from the sleek profile of the AJ Lamp—with its combination of straight lines and geometric angles—to the striking designs of the Series 3300 seating in the hotel lobby. These elements were not just aesthetically pleasing but reflected Jacobsen's overarching architectural language, where precision and geometry played key roles.
The AJ Lamp collection, which includes table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, and pendant lights, was introduced with the hotel’s opening in 1960. The wall lamps, in particular, hung gracefully in rows in the hotel lobby, becoming an integral part of the space’s aesthetic. These pieces, alongside the AJ Royal and other Jacobsen creations such as the Egg and Swan chairs, AJ handles, and cutlery, have since become icons in design history.
