A journalist from the renowned Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet once referred to the SAS Royal Hotel as a "one-man show," where every detail, down to the finest element, was impeccably crafted by the architect. Since its opening in 1960 at Hammerichsgade 1-5 in Copenhagen, both the building and its interiors continue to narrate a fascinating story of Danish modernist design, still leaving a lasting impression on architects and designers around the world.
Arne Jacobsen’s ambition for the SAS Royal Hotel reached far beyond the hotel’s architecture itself. The celebrated architect meticulously designed nearly every aspect of the hotel, from the structure to the furniture and accessories.
Today, the SAS Royal Hotel (now a part of the Radisson Collection) stands as a tribute to Jacobsen’s design philosophy—a landmark example of Danish modernism that continues to inspire and captivate design lovers and professionals globally.
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 go on to become one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. As a student at Miss Adler’s School in Copenhagen, Jacobsen’s academic performance was average, and he struggled to sit still. His behavior was often disruptive during geography lessons, and he would occasionally leave math class early. However, one area in which young Arne excelled was drawing.
Arne Jacobsen’s preference for simplicity was evident even in his childhood. 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 later become the cornerstone of his design philosophy—one that embraced clean lines and modern forms.
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The SAS Royal Hotel was praised for its international style, yet it embraced something uniquely Danish—a balance that resonated throughout both the building’s structure and interior design. Every detail was meticulously crafted, from the sleek profile of the AJ Lamp—with its combination of straight lines and geometric angles—to the striking Series 3300 seating designs in the hotel’s lobby. These elements were not just aesthetically appealing but reflected Jacobsen's overall architectural language, where precision and geometry played pivotal roles.
The AJ Lamp collection, which includes table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, and pendant lights, was introduced alongside the hotel’s opening in 1960. The wall lamps, in particular, hung elegantly in rows in the hotel lobby, becoming a central feature of the space’s aesthetic. These pieces, along with the AJ Royal pendant and other iconic Jacobsen creations such as the Egg and Swan chairs, AJ handles, and cutlery, have since become legends in design history.
The AJ Royal pendant lamp, suspended in copper above 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 dedication to precision and detail.
Initially known as the AJ Pendant when the hotel opened, the spherical design of the lamp—comprised of geometric segments—foreshadowed the fundamental shapes that would define Jacobsen’s later works.
While the interiors of the SAS Royal Hotel have evolved over time, design enthusiasts can still experience the essence of the original 1960 design by visiting Room 606—the only room that has been painstakingly 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.
