Mogens Koch: A Pioneer of Danish Design

This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.

Mogens Koch featured image
Mogens Koch, Danish Architect and Designer

Early Life and Education

Mogens Koch was born in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen. He attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ architecture school. From 1925 to 1932, he trained in the Danish functional tradition under Carl Petersen, Ivar Bentsen, and Kaare Klint.

Career and Professional Roles

  • Teaching: Koch was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1950 to 1968. He was also a visiting lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956 and at the Industrial Art Institute in Tokyo in 1962.
  • Design Studio: In 1934, he established his own design office.
  • Publications: He authored Modern Danish Arts—Craftsmanship in 1948.

Furniture Design

Koch is renowned for his contributions to Danish furniture design:

  • Notable Works: His most iconic designs include the Folding Chair (1932), the Wing Chair No. 50, Armchair No. 51 (1936), and the square Bookcase (1928).
  • Legacy: Many of his designs, such as the Safari Chair and the sectional bookcase, remain in production, exemplifying timeless functionality and aesthetics.
Mogens Koch Set of Four Bookcases for Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Rud. Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Bookcases for Rud. Rasmussen
Coffee and/or Dining Table in Light Wood designed by Paul Cadovius, 1960s
Mogens Koch Library of Mahogany for Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Pair of Lounge Chairs in Mahogany and Leather, Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
Mogens Koch Desk for "Sønderborg State Hospital" in Solid Oak, 1936
MK98860 Folding Table in Walnut Oil by Mogens Koch

Architectural and Design Philosophy

Koch was deeply influenced by his mentor, Kaare Klint, and adopted the principles of functionalism. He emphasized:

  • Timeless Design: Koch aimed to create designs that balanced mathematics, human proportions, and historical furniture traditions.
  • Practical Materials: His furniture often featured durable, low-maintenance materials.
  • Collaborative Architecture: A notable project was the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University extension in Frederiksberg, in collaboration with Steen Eiler Rasmussen.

Church Renovations and Historical Preservation

In the 1950s, Koch shifted focus to renovating historical buildings, including the former Frederiks Hospital in Copenhagen, repurposed as the Danish Museum of Art & Design.

Exhibitions and Awards

  • Koch’s work was showcased at numerous international exhibitions, including:
    • 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes
    • 1958 Formes Scandinaves in Paris
    • 1960–61 The Arts of Denmark exhibition in the USA
    • 1968 Two Centuries of Danish Design at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
  • Awards: He received the Eckersberg Medal in 1938 and the C.F. Hansen Medal in 1963.

Influence and Legacy

Mogens Koch remains a pivotal figure in Danish design. He embodies the integration of functionalism with historical reverence. His innovative, enduring designs continue to be celebrated and produced globally.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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