Frits Schlegel1896 - 1965
Frits Schlegel was an influential Danish Functionalist architect, active during a pivotal moment in the development of modern architecture in Denmark. Working in the early to mid-twentieth century, he helped guide the transition from traditional craftsmanship toward the emerging possibilities of industrialised construction methods. Schlegel was among the first architects in Denmark to experiment with poured-in-place concrete, recognising its potential for new spatial forms and for creating architecture that combined structural clarity with modern efficiency.
His work demonstrates a forward-looking approach that aligned with the broader European modernist movement while retaining a distinctly Danish sensitivity to proportion, material honesty and practical design. Schlegel’s contribution to architectural culture was formally recognised when his work was included in the architecture event at the art competitions during the 1928 Summer Olympics, an unusual but significant honour that reflects the artistic dimension of his practice.
Throughout his career he explored how buildings could respond to changing social needs, new technologies and evolving ideas about urban living. Today, Frits Schlegel is regarded as an important figure in the development of Danish Functionalism, appreciated for his innovative use of concrete and his commitment to integrating modern construction techniques into the architectural traditions of the time.
