After revisiting the archives of Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen and his 1930s Gesamtkunstwerk Radiohuset in Copenhagen, Louis Poulsen will introduce an updated version of Lauritzen’s original studio wall lamp as well as a modern reinterpretation for the table or floor this coming spring.
In the 1930s, Vilhelm Lauritzen created a complete work of art when he designed Radiohuset as well as all of the lighting for the building, which housed the Danish Broadcasting Corporation. Lauritzen created every fixture for Radiohuset—and they became iconic lamps.
The studio lamp was named for its function outside the broadcasting studios in Radiohuset, where it indicated with a red or green light whether the studio was recording. With its opal glass and warm white light, the lamp was also used around Radiohuset. It was designed in the same period as the VL38 Table lamp, the VL Ring Crown, and the VL45—which is also known as the Radiohus pendant. In fact, the studio lamp is closely related to the Radiohus pendant as they both emit a diffused light through three layers of mouth-blown opal glass, which produces a very pleasant general light.
The original lamp has been modified to minor modifications compared to the original lamp. The wall box has been adapted so that the fixture can be mounted directly onto the wall, and a G9 socket now ensures even more uniform illumination. The VL Studio Wall lamp is also available in a matte-black finish for a more graphic expression, as well as the classic brass version, which is slightly brushed and will develop a distinct patina over time.
The lamp head can be turned 90 degrees to each side to direct the distribution of its glare-free and diffused light. The VL Studio Wall lamp is equally suitable for hotel recreational areas, retail spaces, lounges, offices, or other public spaces—as well as bathrooms, nurseries, dining rooms, or in any other room in the home.
The same high-grade lighting qualities apply to Louis Poulsen’s new table and floor interpretation of the studio wall lamp, where the smallest size of Ø150 is the same as the wall version. The new Ø250 and Ø320 sizes come complete with dimmers. All three sizes create an outstanding ambiance. Whether they are placed on tables or at lower heights in retail spaces, restaurants, or in boutique hotel rooms and corridors—or in private living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways—the lamps add a cozy touch of elegant illumination to any decor.
The new VL Studio Table lamps give satisfying new life to any space. They are perfect for interior decor experiments because they look exquisite when combined with other Vilhelm Lauritzen designs, when grouped to create “islands of light,” and even on their own.
The VL Studio Wall lamps are available in size Ø150. The VL Studio Table/Floor lamps are available in Ø150, Ø250, and Ø320. All sizes come in matte black or brushed brass.
The VL Studio series will be available this coming spring.
About Vilhelm Lauritzen
Vilhelm Lauritzen is a key figure in the history of Danish architecture. A pioneer of Danish functionalism, he created prominent buildings like Nørrebro Theatre (1931-32), the Daells Varehus department store (1928-35), Radiohuset—the headquarters of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (1936-41), and the first airport in Kastrup outside Copenhagen (1937-39) as well as other modern monuments later on.
Lauritzen’s strong belief that there is “no life without aesthetics” is visible in all of his work— from buildings to light fittings—just as he had a principle that architecture is applied art. He understood both daylight and artificial lighting, and he always worked to carefully sculpt light and shade by the way he placed windows in a building. Lauritzen put the same thoughtfulness and diligence into his lamp designs, which combine direct illumination and defined shadows with a gentler and more diffuse light that softens and shades spaces.
Lauritzen’s gift for creating an extraordinary and pleasant atmosphere with light came to life in Radiohuset, where he designed light fixtures specifically for the building while also designing the building itself. From the mid-1940s, these fixtures could be found in Louis Poulsen catalogs, where they can still be found today.
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 lighting fixtures and solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. In close partnership with designers, architects, and other talents like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Øivind Slaatto, Alfred Homann, Oki Sato, and Louise Campbell, Louis Poulsen has established itself as one of the key global suppliers of architectural and decorative lighting. The company has a global presence with showrooms in Copenhagen, Miami, Oslo, Tokyo, Singapore, and Dusseldorf.