TYPOGRAPHY

This iconic typography was designed by Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller (1909-2002) for Aarhus City Hall, which was erected in 1937–1942. The simple, modern design reflects the functionalist expression that permeates the famous building’s architecture and interior design throughout.

In 1937, Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller won the contract for a new city hall in Aarhus. Halfway through the construction process, Denmark was occupied by Germany, but nevertheless, the architects managed to complete a city hall where not only the architectural structure but also the richly detailed interior were shaped by a single vision. With this project, Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller created a comprehensive total design with a rich display of materials, textures and patterns. In addition to custom-designed furniture and lamps, they also designed a modern typography that was used in signage and other text displays throughout the building.

Arne Jacobsen designed several typographies for the total interiors he created as part of his architectural designs. However, few of them have the same crisp, iconic character as the one he co-designed with Erik Møller for signage at Aarhus City Hall. The original typeface from 1942 features tall, narrow capital letters and sans serif numerals. In line with the architecture of the building, the architects designed an elegant and functionalist typography without superfluous embellishments. Thanks to this pared-down look, it still appears current and modern today, 70 years after it was created.

Sources: Arne Jacobsen Design Archives. / Møller, E. & Lindhe, J. (2016). Aarhus Raadhus. 2. udgave, 1. oplag. Copenhagen: Danish Architectural Press. / Stenum Poulsen, K., Skaarup Larsen, A. & Staunsager, S. (2020). Arne Jacobsen Designing Denmark. Kolding: Trapholt. / Thau, C., & Vindum, K. (1998). Arne Jacobsen. Danish Architectural Press.