The Debut of Danish Modernism: The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel

Exterior of the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel Copenhagen. Building designed by Arne Jacobsen.

More than half a century old, the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel (formerly the Royal SAS Hotel) in Copenhagen, Denmark towers at 69.6 meters. The form of the hotel building, with Its curtain walls of glass-and-steel components conflicts with typical Danish architecture which is characterized by a small scale and agrarian materials such as brick. A bit like a sore thumb, the Royal Hotel sticks out above the low skyline of the dainty Scandinavian City.

Its architect, the celebrated Arne Jacobsen drew inspiration from prevailing modernist and functionalist design concepts that were gaining popularity in Europe when he was developing this project. The utilization of technology in construction such as the use of prefabricated materials demonstrates the pursuit of effectiveness in Danish architecture. Also previously known as the Radisson Blu Hotel, this building offers an insightful lesson on the critical moment when Danish architecture changed its course, thus contributing to study and understanding Denmark's architecture in the last two hundred years.

View when looking up at the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen

Redefining Danish Architecture

 The building’s close resemblance with the Lever House in New York by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill was considered by some critics to be a replication of a foreign style on Danish soil. While this viewpoint was valid, the Royal Hotel did more than simply manifest an international style in Copenhagen. It displayed the result of the functionalism that was building up through Neoclassical architecture which preceded modernism.

Therefore, this building references the history of Danish architecture, paving way for eclectic architecture in the city. In addition, the Royal Hotel now marks the significant entry of modernism into Denmark since the main elements of this style are present. For example, true to Le Corbusier’s Five Points of Architecture, the ground floor is a public urban space while the upper floors are private rooms, only accessible by patrons.
On my visit to the hotel, I was greeted with the warmth of the lobby and the tastefully designed decor. 

Captivated by the sensual quality of the interior space which contrasts with its cold exterior, I itched with the curiosity of how the individual rooms would feel like. I was not staying at the hotel, but rather only visiting to marvel at its design. While the Royal Hotel’s construction seems to be a bold move in Danish architecture, this building simply manifests the age-old practice of Danish designers adopting styles outside the nation’s borders. Therefore, studying the Royal Hotel leads to a more informed analysis of Danish architecture in post-industrial times.

The iconic staircase of the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel Copenhagen.

Spatial Experience

Jacobsen employed the rationality of modernism coupled with Nordic functionalism in designing this building. As Denmark’s first international hotel, the design aimed to provide a luxurious experience to its visitors. He designed the building to provide comfort, consequently adding a human component to its design. In this way, he softened the sterility of modernism that was seen in other parts of Europe, think of a concrete white box building like the Villa Savoye. 

To achieve his goal of providing a wholesome luxurious hotel, Jacobsen designed every component of the building, including its furniture. The spiral first floor staircase is most interesting, it availed a soothing experience of the space. The moderate gradient of the staircase eased walking up and down and its curvature allowed me to have different views of the space below rather than rush through the staircase.

Lobby of the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen with Danish design pieces.

Living History
While the Royal SAS Hotel has since been overtaken by newer skyscrapers in Copenhagen, it continues to serve as the marker of Denmark’s change of architectural style. Even more importantly, it demonstrates the start of a heavy investment in construction, which led to a reevaluation of the technology used in construction. It would be very insightful to study this building in the context of 20th and 21st Century architecture. As a lover of modernist architecture, the Royal Hotel ranks highly on my list of intriguing buildings. I look forward to one day experiencing the Royal Hotel as a guest.

Photos Source: Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen.