Even as a child, Mogens Lassen (1901–1987) knew that he would one day become an architect.

He spent his pocket money on books about architecture, and surveying and sketching buildings was his

hobby. As he was dyslexic and funds were limited, Mogens entered the world of architecture by undertaking

an apprenticeship. However, he was also involved in the academic world and turned his skills to assisting

with the projects awarded to his friends and colleagues Ole Wanscher, Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl.

Around this time, Mogens was asked to join the renowned studio of architect Tyge Hvass, becoming

a highly respected employee. In 1927, he travelled to Paris and was hired by an engineering company.

However, with little grasp of the French language, he did not enjoy the work and became frustrated that his

sketches were restricted by the practical nature of the job. Drawing uninspiring façades was almost painful to him.

Despite the challenges, it was Paris that shaped Mogens Lassen. He adored the open kitchens found in the

city’s restaurants – they were full of life and, for Mogens, represented the most important room in the house.

It was also in Paris that he was first acquainted with Le Corbusier, who was to become a source of ongoing

inspiration. During his time in Paris, Mogens was honoured with the offer of a place in Le Corbusier’s studio,

although he gracefully refused, feeling that his French was not good enough. Upon his return to Denmark,

Mogens opened his own studio. Later on, he also worked as the architect for ‘Den Permanente’, an annual

exhibition of Danish arts and crafts that became part of a movement promoting Danish design internationally.

‘Den Permanente’ became a huge success and an obligatory tourist attraction, although Mogens never took

credit for it. He was a modest man by nature and not the type to care about becoming rich and famous.

He was always sketching, even on Christmas Eve, and passed away with a pencil in his hand. He loved to

retreat to his workroom, which was more of a cave with small pathways carved out among the mountains of

papers and objects. It might have appeared strange to some, but Mogens loved the cave’s qualities and

the feeling of security it conferred. In fact, he applied this ‘cave’ concept to the houses that he designed:

windows would never face each other directly across the room. This is how one of the fathers of functionalism

in Denmark, Mogens Lassen, lived his life. His influence later brought international fame to Danish design and

countless awards and medals, including the C.F. Hansen Medal, Denmark’s highest architectural honour.