Kildeskovshallen (1970-72) in Gentofte, Denmark, by Ebbe & Karen Clemmensen

Karin & Ebbe Clemmensen :: Safaristol

The 1950s certainly were the golden age of the Danish (and also Scandinavian) modern house: Arne Jacobsen, Jørn Utzon, Vilhelm Wohlert, Jørgen Bo and Inger & Johannes Exner all built remarkable houses, mostly for themselves, during this one decade. With them they designed epitomes of Danish modernism, characterized by clear layouts, inventive details and sparse, but maximally comfortable interiors. In his book „Landmarks - The Modern House in Denmark“, published by Hatje Cantz in 2014, Michael Sheridan presents both the houses and sheds light on this decisive period of Danish modern architecture. In a lengthy introduction the author contextualizes the buildings by recounting the cultural genesis of the second modern architectural movement in Denmark that is closely tied to Sweden: during the occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany many architects, among them Utzon and Jacobsen, fled to Sweden and later applied their experiences in postwar Denmark. These exemplary buildings were immediately published and broadly received, a circumstance that had a lasting influence on Danish postwar architecture. This influence can be traced in Sheridan’s extensive catalogue of 1950s houses in Denmark: besides the exemplary designs by Utzon, Jacobsen or Wohlert and Bo he also included those by lesser known protagonists like Karen and Ebbe Clemmensen, Erik Christian Sørensen, Hanne Kjaerholm or Niels Koppel. The result is a stunning panorama of 1950s houses that documents the highly sophisticated architectural culture in postwar Denmark as well as the great authenticity and significance of each building. By means of high quality photo spreads, plans and very insightful texts that elucidate the genesis of each house the author awakens great enthusiasm on the part of the reader. „Landmarks“ is a wonderful book that perfectly combines precise research and visual pleasure, a rare and thus even more noteworthy combination.

Kildeskovshallen (1966-69, 1970-72) in Gentofte, Denmark, by Ebbe & Karen Clemmensen

LO-skolen (1967-69) in Helsingør, Denmark, by Karen & Ebbe Clemmensen with Jarl Heger

Kildeskovshallen (1970-72) in Gentofte, Denmark, by Ebbe & Karen Clemmensen