JDS Architects

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: Holmenkollen Ski Jump Oslo, Norway Maison Stéphane Hessel Lille, France Kalvebod Waves Copenhagen, Denmark Maison Uccle Brussels, Belgium Fåborg Harbor Bath- Fåborg, Denmark European Union Parliament Building Brussels, Belgium Entrepot Macdonald Housing Paris, France Jura House Jura, France Sports Tower Paris, France Hangzhou Gateway Hangzhou, China Antwerp Police Station Antwerp, Belgium VM Housing Copenhagen, Denmark Mountain Dwellings Copenhagen, Denmark The Iceberg Aarhus, Denmark Golden House Aarhus, Denmark Cesson Sévigné Housing Rennes, France Potam Himarë, Albania Trinity Tirana, Albania Gangnam Gwell Officetel Seoul, Korea Kagithane Offices Istanbul, Turkey