There’s something about fall that just makes you want to cozy up with a good book. For recommendations on our next great design read, we talked to fellow bibliophile Jorgen Jensen from Slate Real Estate Advisors about his favorite design publications that have shaped his design sense and keep him feeling inspired. From a classic philosophical tome on architecture to a magazine he stumbled upon in a 7-11, we guarantee his picks will make for inspired reading all season long.
Michael Paul in collaboration with Tatsuro Miki
Axel Vervoordt is a Belgian interior designer whose life’s work has been defined by Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese concept that derives from simplicity and authenticity. I love this book because it’s a reminder that we can find sincere beauty in natural materials and objects that are imperfect. The book highlights how this concept can be integrated into our own homes and personal living spaces to help us create a sense of calm and serenity in our daily lives.
Taisto Mäkelä with contributions by Denver’s very own, Darrin Alfred
One of the greatest modernist designers to ever live was Gio Ponti, an Italian architect, artist and industrial designer. At the center of this book is the Denver Art Museum’s beloved North Building, Gio Ponti’s only work of architecture in the United States! This building recently underwent significant renovation and will soon open to the public. As a member of the DAM’s Architecture & Design Collectors Council, I’m especially excited for this opening as it not only highlights Ponti’s design legacy, but it’s something of which our city can really be proud.
Have you ever met a creative type such as a museum curator or an eccentric artist and find yourself wondering what their private office, studio or home might look like? That is what Openhouse Magazine is all about. Creatives around the world have opened up their homes and private spaces to the public for a rare glimpse into how they live and carry out their daily lives—and the imagery is always stunning!
Gaston Bachelard
This one is a little harder to get through as it’s a heady, philosophical perspective on the subject of architecture by a famous French philosopher, but the book’s greatest aim is to bring awareness to how we as people experience the spaces around us. At Slate, we often try to explain how we can have a personal and emotional response to our built environment, and this book has certainly helped me to do so over the years.
This one is a more recent publication, but it might just be the new holy grail of international design magazines. I first stumbled upon the Ark Journal while in a 7-11 in Copenhagen last fall (yes, a 7-11!). The rumors must be true; everyone values great design in Copenhagen. But seriously, if it’s the intersection of architecture, design and art that you’re interested in, then this one is worth the investment.
Jorgen Jensen is a Partner and Broker Associate at Slate Real Estate Advisors, one of this year’s presenting sponsors of Denver Design Week. To learn more about Slate and connect with Jorgen, go to +slaterea.com.
