Danish architect Henning Larsen (1925–2013)
Passed away on June 22, 2013, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped modern Scandinavian architecture.
Often referred to as the master of light, Larsen founded Henning Larsen Architects in Copenhagen in 1959, building one of Denmark’s most influential architectural practices.
His most celebrated work, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1984), earned him the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and established his international reputation. The building demonstrated his mastery of integrating natural light into monumental structures while respecting local climate and culture.
Other significant projects include the Copenhagen Opera House (2005), which became an instant landmark on Copenhagen’s waterfront, the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland (completed 2011), and numerous university buildings across Scandinavia.
Larsen received the honorary title of Royal Designer for Industry in London and was awarded the C.F. Hansen Medal, Denmark’s most prestigious architectural honor. He was also a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
His approach to architecture—where light, function, and human experience converge— continues to influence Scandinavian design philosophy. Henning Larsen Architects, now known as Henning Larsen, remains one of the Nordic region’s leading architectural firms.