“It begins with curiosity.” This is one of the guiding mantras of the renowned Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen. Founded in 1959 by Danish architect Henning Larsen, the firm gained international recognition for blending modernism with Scandinavian design principles, focusing on natural light, sustainability, and user experience.
Larsen was a prominent architect known for his innovative and human-centered designs. Like us at Clayco, he acknowledged the importance of building BEYOND to positively impact communities and the people who enjoy the spaces we develop. Larsen’s site-specific design philosophy was grounded in the Scandinavian Modernist tradition and is evident across structures such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia, the Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Iceland (which won the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013), and the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark.
The firm’s work spans various industries, including cultural, educational, and public spaces. Winning the prestigious European Prize for Architecture in 2019 was a huge accomplishment and a testament to all the continued greatness to come from Henning Larsen. The team does an excellent job of integrating the surrounding environment into their buildings in a way that feels organic and inviting.
Their developments often reflects a deep understanding of the local culture, geography, and climate, cultivating connections between their structures and the greater community. Henning Larsen also puts a strong emphasis on social responsibility, which has made the firm a leader in environmentally conscious design for innovative green architecture and low-energy use.
Clayco and Henning Larsen share similar priorities that revolve around creatively crafting spaces that improve how we live and work. Both of our organizations strive to push boundaries and foster community engagement. What the world needs more of are projects that aren’t just functional but also beautiful, forward-thinking, and foster inclusivity and well-being.
Whether designing educational hubs, cultural centers, or corporate offices, Henning Larsen’s work enriches lives and strengthens communities.
