Best-loved designs are often those that pair a sense of instant recognition with the appeal of the never-before-seen. This was the spirit in which nendo founder Oki Sato designed his popular NJP lamp in 2015 – and the spirit in which Louis Poulsen and nendo are now expanding the entire NJP range in the modern Light Alu Grey colour.
Oki Sato, head of the renowned Japanese nendo design studio, is known for infusing minimalist forms with memory-arousing details, and using soft, friendly shapes that make his designs appear instantly comfortable in their environment. The NJP lamp exemplifies this approach with a familiar, chimney-shaped head design. Conceived as a new interpretation of the classic architect’s lamp, the NJP range has grown to include a floor lamp and two wall lamps – and now further expands to meet the needs of modern interiors with a Light Alu Grey addition to the existing black and white options.
“We were seeking to develop a colour that struck the right balance between the inherent coolness of metal and the warmth of an ideal, soft grey,” says Rasmus Markholt, Design Manager at Louis Poulsen. “The finish and feel also needed to match the form of the NJP in its softness, modernity and elegance – and had to be a great tactile experience, since you wrap your hand around the lamp head to operate the hidden button. We are very pleased with the visual and sensory experience of the Light Alu Grey edition, which presents Oki Sato’s unique form in a new light.”
Human, easy-to-control and multi-functional design
The minimalist NJP design is rooted in the knowledge that light is vitally important to our general we-being – and that good task lighting can make us both more effective and more satisfied with our lives and work. In both design and functionality, the NJP serves as an ideal task light for work spaces, bedrooms, and living areas, bringing versatility and simple, elegant, user-centric design that enhances both enjoyment and performance.
“On this collaboration, the most important thing for Oki Sato and our team was that the design is simple, practical, and has a story where everything makes sense and ties together,” Rasmus Markholt adds. “The new Light Alu Grey edition creates a logical continuation of the story, adding a new visual dimension that meets the aesthetic needs of more modern homes and workspaces, while continuing to bring smart functionality.”
The NJP features built-in LED technology and, despite its compact size, spreads its softly diffused, glare-free and high-quality light over a large area.
The lamp’s applications and visual impact have been considered in every detail. The flexible head and arms, for instance, offer great flexibility and make it easy to find an ideal position, whether at a desk, by a bed, or beside an armchair or sofa. The exposed springs at the arm joints add to the NJP’s decorative expression. In addition to defining the NJP’s silhouette, the chimney-shaped head reflects some of the light through the rear, illuminating the top of the arm – and also cools the LED lamps through the top vent.
The Light Alu Grey editions of the NJP range will be available in stores starting in February 2018.
About Louis Poulsen
Founded in 1874, the Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen creates products that encompass the duality of design and light. Every detail in the design has a purpose. Every design starts and ends with light. Louis Poulsen offers a range of lighting aimed at the commercial and domestic lighting markets, with lights and solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. In close partnership with designers and architects like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Øivind Slaatto, Alfred Homann, Oki Sato and GamFratesi, Louis Poulsen has established itself as one of the key suppliers of architectural and decorative lighting and has a global presence with dedicated showrooms in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Miami, Oslo, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Dusseldorf.
Press release, January 2018