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Founded by Julien De Smedt in 2006, JDS Architects (JDSA) has developed an international body of work spanning architecture, urban design, and product design. Known for projects such as the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, European Union Parliament Building in Brussels, Maison Stéphane Hessel in Lille, and the Hangzhou Gateway in China, and many more, the practice explores new relationships between buildings, landscape, and public space. More recent work extends to Albania, including the Tirana Park City masterplan, reflecting the studio’s continued engagement with urban transformation and civic life. This monograph traces two decades of work across Europe and beyond, bringing together realized projects, unbuilt proposals, and design research that illustrate JDSA’s evolving approach to the contemporary city.
- The book is structured around six narrative paths through JDSA’s work, including Typological Invention, Political Encounters, Within and Beyond the European Union, Need vs. Greed, Scaling Laws, and Eras.
- These paths intersect at key decision points, allowing readers to navigate between related themes and projects and create their own journey through the publication.
- Distinct paper stocks, graphic treatments, and layout systems differentiate the chapters, reinforcing the content and supporting orientation throughout the book.
Included Projects:
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Holmenkollen Ski Jump - Oslo, Norway
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Maison Stéphane Hessel - Lille, France
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Kalvebod Waves - Copenhagen, Denmark
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Maison Uccle - Brussels, Belgium
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Fåborg Harbor Bath- Fåborg, Denmark
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European Union Parliament Building - Brussels, Belgium
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Entrepot Macdonald Housing - Paris, France
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Jura House - Jura, France
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Sports Tower - Paris, France
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Hangzhou Gateway - Hangzhou, China
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Antwerp Police Station - Antwerp, Belgium
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VM Housing - Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mountain Dwellings - Copenhagen, Denmark
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The Iceberg - Aarhus, Denmark
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Golden House - Aarhus, Denmark
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Cesson Sévigné Housing - Rennes, France
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Potam - Himarë, Albania
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Trinity - Tirana, Albania
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Gangnam Gwell Officetel - Seoul, Korea
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Kagithane Offices - Istanbul, Turkey
Julien De Smedt grew up in Brussels and attended schools in Brussels, Paris, and Los Angeles before studying architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London. Early in his career, he worked at OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) in Rotterdam, where he gained experience on a range of international projects.
In 2001, he co-founded the Copenhagen-based architecture practice PLOT with Bjarke Ingels. Following the dissolution of the partnership, De Smedt established his own studio, JDS Architects, in 2006.
Since then, JDS Architects (now JDSA) has developed projects spanning architecture, urban planning, and design. Among the firm's most notable works is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, completed in 2010, which combined the redevelopment of Norway's national ski jumping venue with new visitor and public facilities. The practice has also delivered a range of residential, cultural, educational, and public-space projects across Europe and internationally.
Today, Julien De Smedt is recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, working across architecture, urbanism, landscape, and product design. His work focuses on the relationship between buildings, public space, and contemporary urban life, with an emphasis on innovative design solutions and user experience.
Jesse Seegers is an editor and designer specializing in architecture and design publications. During his four years as an Editor at Columbia University GSAPP, he managed the editorial development and production of four annual editions of Abstract, including overseeing print production and press checks at Die Keure Printers.