Story
Mogens Koch (1898–1992) is regarded as one of the intellectual pillars of Danish Modern design. More than a furniture designer, he was an architect, educator, and theorist whose influence shaped the methodological foundation of 20th-century Danish design. Building on the functionalist principles of his mentor Kaare Klint, Koch refined these ideas into an even more rigorous and systematic design philosophy rooted in human use, proportion, and long-term adaptability.
His work consistently began with function, stripping every form down to its most essential logic. The celebrated Bookcase System and Folding Chair remain two of the most recognizable examples of this approach—objects defined not by ornament but by clarity, precision, and universal usability. Their lasting relevance demonstrates how Koch’s analytical method transcended trends.
Koch’s impact extended far beyond his own designs. As a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he played a decisive role in shaping the intellectual structure of Danish Modern. He trained generations of designers and architects, transmitting a methodology based on proportion studies, typological analysis, and the reinterpretation of historical furniture forms.
This process—later described as “re-design”—involved examining the archetypes of past furniture and adapting them to the needs of modern living without resorting to imitation. Koch viewed this evolution as a cultural responsibility rather than a stylistic exercise.
Though reserved by nature, Koch left a profound legacy through ideas rather than spectacle. His work embodies the quiet rationality, durability, and intellectual clarity that continue to define Danish design today.
About
Year: 1898–1992
Place: Frederiksberg
Manufacturer: Johannes Hansen, Rud. Rasmussen, Carl Hansen & Søn
History
1898: Born in Frederiksberg
1916: Began preparatory studies for entry into the Royal Danish Academy
1925: Graduated from the Academy’s School of Architecture
1925: Joined Kaare Klint’s office as an assistant
1926: Began first collaborations with the Rud. Rasmussen workshop
1928: Designed the Bookcase System
1929: Expanded into small furniture and cabinet designs
1930: Concluded work at Klint’s office
1932: Designed the Folding Chair
1933: Created church seating and storage furniture
1934: Established his own architectural and design studio
1935: Appointed part-time lecturer at the Royal Danish Academy
1938: Received the Egas Bear Award
1940: Became full professor at the Academy
1942: Continued parallel work in architecture and furniture design
1945: Participated in post-war public building projects
1950: Formally appointed professor in the Architecture Department
1952: Exhibited work at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition
1954: Released refined editions of the Bookcase System
1956: Served as visiting professor at MIT
1958: Earned international recognition as an educator
1960: Applied his bookcase concepts to experimental domestic interiors
1962: Visiting professor at the Industrial Arts Research Institute in Tokyo
1963: Received the C.F. Hansen Medal
1964: Awarded the Annual Prize of the Cabinetmakers’ Guild
1965: Published research on the integration of architecture and furniture
1968: Retired from his professorship at the Academy
1970: Continued work as an independent designer
1972: Named honorary professor at the Royal Academy
1975: Major retrospectives held at international furniture exhibitions
1980: Renewed recognition within Denmark for his contributions
1985: Bookcase System designated a “classic design”
1990: Received the Danish Design Centre Classic Award
1992: Passed away at age 94
Furniture
• Bookcase System
• Folding Chair MK99200
• MK Safari Chair
• Cabinet and Drawer Units
• Writing Desk MK Series
• Dining Table MK Series
• Side Table MK Series
• Armchair MK Series
• Lounge Chair MK Series
• Bench MK Series
• Wall Cabinet MK Series
• Daybed MK Series
• Sideboard MK Series
• Stool MK Series
• Bookcase with Glass Doors
• Folding Stool
• Extension Table MK Series
• Display Cabinet MK Series
• Low Cabinet MK Series
• Armchair with Caned Seat