A journalist from Svenska Dagbladet once described the SAS Royal Hotel as a "one-man show," where every detail, down to the smallest element, had been masterfully crafted by the architect. Since its opening in 1960 at Hammerichsgade 1-5 in Copenhagen, both the building and its interiors continue to tell a remarkable story of Danish modernist design, still influencing architects and designers worldwide.
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.
Today, the SAS Royal Hotel (now part of the Radisson Collection) remains a testament to Jacobsen’s design philosophy, a defining example of Danish modernism that continues to inspire and captivate design enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The hotel now also features iconic designs by Poul Henningsen, including his famous Artichoke Lamp, which can be found in the lobby, further adding to the space’s timeless appeal and commitment to exceptional design.
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.
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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.
The AJ Royal pendant lamp, suspended in copper above the tables in the snack bar behind the Winter Garden, in the Lounge on the first floor, and in the Panorama Lounge on the 21st floor, stands as a testament to Jacobsen’s commitment to precision and detail.
Originally referred to as the AJ Pendant at the time of the hotel’s opening, the spherical design of the lamp—comprising geometric segments—foreshadowed the fundamental shapes that would define Jacobsen's later works.
Though the interiors of the SAS Royal Hotel have evolved over the years, design enthusiasts can still experience the essence of the original 1960 design by visiting Room 606, the only room that has been meticulously restored to its original Arne Jacobsen design.
This room continues to offer a glimpse into the timeless elegance and innovative spirit that defined the hotel’s original vision.
