Johann Otto von Spreckelsen

Johann Otto von Spreckelsen (May 4, 1929 -- March 16, 1987) was a Danish architect.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, and later served as director up to his death.

He directed the creation of several modern churches in Denmark, especially "Vangede Kirke" near Copenhagen (1974) and "Stavnsholt Kirke" at the city of Farum (1981), although his best known work is the "Grande Arche" at La Défense in Paris.

He was a modest man, who once in an interview declared that he was an architect who built three churches and one Arche. He relied heavily on simple geometical figures, especially the quadrant, which can be seen in his churches, in the interior decorations even of church organs.

His design won the international competition of the Grande Arche, because the French President François Mitterrand felt it was the best because of its 'purity and strength'.

This work of 100 meters of height was inaugurated in 1989, two years after his death, uses with remarkable ability the technology of our times and is inspired by nearby Arc de Triomphe.

The monument is located in the heart of the financial district of La Défense and is built of granite and of Carrara marble. From its terrace it is possible to admire a panoramic view all along the Champs-Élysées with the Arc de Triomphe, the obelisk at the Place de la Concorde and the gardens of the Tuilleries and the Louvre beyond.