RADISSON COLLECTION ROYAL HOTEL

The construction of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen began in 1956. Four years later, the hitherto tallest building in the Nordics, and the largest hotel in Scandinavia, was ready for inauguration. Standing twenty-two floors tall, the hotel was dubbed a "Landmark of the Jet Age", characterising the 1950s. Considered the most modern hotel in Scandinavia, Arne Jacobsen's attention to detail in terms of functions and the choice of materials in the overall design, as well as in individual objects, is still admired today.

Today, the SAS Royal Hotel (since renamed Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen) remains a prominent example of Danish modernist architecture. Famed worldwide as the hotel where the architect designed every detail, it is the most harmonious high-rise building in Copenhagen and constitutes an ideal in Modern Design. Arne Jacobsen's artistic talent is evident throughout the hotel - from the proportions of the building to the design of the interior. His remarkable ability to carry through an all-encompassing design - a gesamtkunstwerk – is one to be admired.

THE LOBBY

The present hotel lobby is in many ways similar to the 1960s lobby. Floor-to-ceiling glass panes separate the lobby from the hustle and bustle of the street while letting daylight into the room. The result is a calm, exclusive atmosphere. The iconic Egg™ and Swan™ chairs, which were specially designed for the hotel, match the pleasant calm of the room.

STAIRCASE

Together with the organic forms of the Swan™, the curved staircase constitutes a strong contrast to the sharp cut, simple structure of the hotel. The very slight structure of the staircase was on the verge of what was technically feasible at the time.

ENDURING ICONS

Of the many details Arne Jacobsen designed for the hotel, several of the chairs he created have established themselves as design icons. The Egg™, Swan™ and Drop™ chairs are perhaps the most familiar. However, a fourth, the Pot™ chair, is no less significant. The small lounge chair brings a beautiful floating expression. Designed for the hotel's social areas, the Pot chair's sculptural curves and slim legs reflect the simplicity and openness of the building’s design.