Connecting Generations of Architecture
Christoffer Harlang sits surrounded by history – in books, in blueprints and in the quiet geometry of his workspace in Holmen, Copenhagen. A leading Danish architect and professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Arts, Harlang balances tradition with a commitment to thoughtful design evolution. His work, spanning architectural restoration, design and teaching, is deeply shaped by the enduring principles of Kaare Klint and Mogens Koch.
We met Harlang to explore the legacy of these former Academy professors – not only in shaping Danish design and architecture, but in influencing his own philosophy of making and preserving. The setting continues their work: the interiors, originally designed by Klint and Koch, offer a tangible link to the very heritage at the heart of our conversation.
“ Kaare Klint’s way of innovation directly inspires me. I find his ability to evolve, challenge and refine through an understanding of the possibilities of tradition is incredibly intriguing. ”
Christoffer Harlang
Informed by history and architectural traditions
According to Harlang, two qualities explain the lasting relevance of Klint’s furniture. First, the timeless designs are culturally resonant. Their forms feel familiar, even to the untrained eye. You recognise them. Not because they’re famous but because they speak a language we already understand. Second, the proportions and materials are executed with extraordinary care. This blend of familiarity, quality and precision helps explain the global standing of Danish design today.
Equally important is the dual discipline shared by both Klint and Koch. They were architects as well as furniture designers, deeply engaged in restoration. Their understanding of historical buildings, spatial proportion, and materials translated directly into their furniture. A shared DNA of geometry, restraint and purpose.
What is particularly notable is that both Klint and Koch were not only furniture designers but also accomplished architects, deeply involved in restoration. Their extensive knowledge of historical buildings and architectural traditions informed their design ethos – marked by geometric clarity and precision. For Harlang, who himself works in both fields, this connection is essential to understanding the strength and longevity of their designs.
“One thing I think is very notable is that some of the finest restoration architects are also among the best furniture architects. This is especially evident when looking at Mogens Koch and Kaare Klint. Their ability to translate historical knowledge of proportions, methodology and materiality into furniture results in pieces where functionality is paramount and all superfluous elements are stripped away. Looking at their pieces today, one can only conclude that their approach has rendered them timeless classics.”
More than historical artefacts
He continues, reflecting on Koch: “He is the opposite of being modern. With his extreme attention to functionality, the iconic Bookcase System somehow connects with the past, the present and the future – their function remains just as relevant today as when designed in 1928. And with its simple look and good materiality, it makes sense that something like that keeps being relevant.”
This emphasis on function and quality, Harlang adds, is not only aesthetic but also sustainable. Gesturing to pieces in his office, many decades old, he notes that they are still in daily use. “I think it’s interesting that you, back then, decided to buy things of quality for public institutions. It’s a very economical choice, and at the same time, it has proven to be a sustainable choice. Some of these pieces are from the 50s and 60s, and they remain just as functional today as when they were bought.”
Among his most cherished items are the Klint Chairs – a piece of living heritage. Originally chosen by Koch in the 1950s, the chairs have served four generations of professors: Mogens Koch, Vilhelm Wohlert, Hans Munk Hansen, and now Harlang himself.
“When we moved to Holmen after having offices at the Vandflyverhangaren, there was a great demand among my colleagues. However, I insisted that they accompany my position. So, as long as I hold this position, I will sit in them. And when the day comes for someone new to take over, they will also enjoy the chairs.”
These objects are more than historical artefacts. They carry stories, values and an approach to design that prizes longevity over novelty. Through them, Harlang continues a Danish tradition that resonates far beyond the walls of his office – one where innovation begins with understanding and quality endures through time.
Keep exploring
In 2024, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of Kaare Klint’s furniture school, the cornerstone of what we now know as Danish Design. Honoring the legacy of the legendary architect, professor, and furniture designer, we proudly continue his story by relaunching one of Klint’s most iconic chairs from 1936. To mark this occasion, we have curated a series of inspiring stories highlighting Kaare Klint’s exceptional contributions to Danish design.
1 of 4