

France, 1983. The biggest architectural competition in history is launched by the new socialist president, François Mitterrand. Coveted by all the biggest international architectural firms, the open-call competition is surprisingly won by an unknown: Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, an architecture teacher from Copenhagen. Until then, the fifty-year-old Dane had built only four buildings: his home, and three small chapels.
November 5, 2025


France, 1983. The biggest architectural competition in history is launched by the new socialist president, François Mitterrand. Coveted by all the biggest international architectural firms, the open-call competition is surprisingly won by an unknown: Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, an architecture teacher from Copenhagen. Until then, the fifty-year-old Dane had built only four buildings: his home, and three small chapels.

Johan Otto von Spreckelsen

Liv von Spreckelsen

Jean-Louis Subilon

Paul Andreu

François Mitterrand

Alain Juppé

Leloup

Marble man
Marble man's daughter

Architect student

Tavelli
Dewasne
Released
November 5, 2025
2025