Aarhus City Hall
Visit Aarhus

Aarhus City Hall

DANISH™ as Other

Today we are focusing on an example of functionalism within Danish architecture: Aarhus City Hall. Designed by late Danish architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller, this major work has inspired generations of architects since its opening in 1941.


Jacobsen and Møller were awarded the contract four years earlier, after beating off the rest of the architectural competition, although their initial proposal featured no tower. Jacobsen and Møller defended their no tower design by alleging that its un-monumental simplicity evoked the spirit of democracy. However, the public protested – so they added the renowned skeleton-wrapped City Hall tower – now Aarhus’ iconic trademark. Standing 60 metres tall, the clock tower takes a classic form, but still has a very distinct modernistic touch.


Besides the tower, Aarhus City Hall comprises three interconnected blocks arranged asymmetrically in a small urban park. On entering City Hall, you immediately find the main lobby, the ceremonial hall and the city council chambers. The ceremonial hall is large enough to accommodate 600 people, while a circular staircase enhances the natural effect of the space.


The inside of the building boasts high quality wood flooring and 6,000 square metres of Norwegian marble on the façades. The entrance leads to a functionalistic office block, consisting of a split, narrow atrium with four storeys holding small administrative offices on either side and lit by a skylight.


The building’s interiors are in the Scandinavian design tradition. Traditional craftsmanship and contemporary ornamentation generate a warm-hearted environment. When designing virtually all the furniture in the building, Jacobsen – known chiefly as a chair designer – collaborated with Hans J. Wegner. Everything, right down to the doorknobs and light fixtures, was made exclusively for City Hall.


Words to describe the outer look of the building are order and simplicity. Repeatedly using the same rectangular window is just one of the ways the architects achieved its minimalistic look. In fact, the whole façade is a grid of squares and rectangles, a complementary feature to the building’s curved copper roof. Many architects and designers around the world praise Aarhus City Hall’s exterior as one of the earliest examples of Scandinavian modernism.


Recognised for its unique architecture, the building was marked for preservation in 1994, as one of just a few Danish city halls. Moreover, in 2006 it was added to the Danish Culture Canon to acknowledge the originality and quality of the design as well as to honour the contribution it makes to its city.


Project Credits
Products used in this project
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct name
Bathroom Accessories VOLA
Product Spec Sheet
Bathroom Accessories
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More