Arne Jacobsen

Best known for his sculptural Egg, Swan, and Series 7 chairs, Arne Jacobsen was far more than a furniture designer—he was a modernist whose belief in total design shaped every aspect of the built environment. His influence defined the clean, functional aesthetic of Scandinavian design, from architecture and interiors to lighting, textiles, and tableware, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire designers today. This comprehensive volume traces Jacobsen’s career as a designer from his early experiments with functionalism to his most influential works. Alongside his celebrated furniture and interior designs, it explores his lesser-known fabric and garden designs and offers insight into his approach to form, function, and materiality across the disciplines. The book also provides a richly detailed portrait of Jacobsen’s personal world—his friendships with fellow designers, the creative circles he moved in, and the moments of spontaneity and humor that shaped his working life. Authors Thomas Dickson and Henrik Lund-Larsen, both leading voices in architecture and design, provide a compelling narrative that blends rigorous research with engaging storytelling. Through their insight, Jacobsen emerges not just as a designer, but as a pioneer of Scandinavian modernism, whose work continues to influence contemporary aesthetics.