Artek - a sculptural presence that casts light in a new light
Artek - a sculptural presence that casts light in a new light
We at Raumtakt have a soft spot for lights. Alongside chairs, they are one of the most exciting objects of our time and offer almost unlimited opportunities to engage with design in a surprising and innovative way. When dealing with luminaires, one inevitably comes across the Finnish design label Artek.
Artek not only has an ingenious name (a combination of the words "Art" and "Technology"), but also two design legends, Alvar and Aino Aalto, as co-founders. Artek was founded in Helsinki in 1935 and has since had a significant influence on the world of design and furniture at the interface between design, architecture and art. In doing so, they also followed the principle of its main representative Walter Gropius in combining art and technology. Modernism sought to combine these two areas and also guided the founders of Artek in the naming of the company. The Bauhaus school shaped Artek's work from the very beginning.
Luminous sculpture
Artek has a handful of very special lamps to offer: For example, the three pendant lights AMA500, A333 Turnip or A201. The latter pendant light was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1952 for the library of the town hall in the Finnish town of Säynätsalo. The sculptural presence of the luminaire shines when switched on, but also when switched off, giving it a unique beauty. Typical of Aalto, his attempt to direct artificial light as indirectly and softly as possible is also recognizable. The A201 also hung in Aalto's private home in Helsinki.
The A333 by Artek is also very striking. The luminaire is also called "Turnip" because of its organic shape. It combines simplicity and timelessness in a surprising way - and therefore always looks elegant. The light is emitted near the top of the lampshade, reinforcing the round shape of the pendant light. The brass on the edge also gives the luminaire a strong finish. Artek designed the luminaire for the National Pensions Institute building in Helsinki.
The AMA500 made of sheet steel also fits into the series of these pendant luminaires. Its equally organic shape provides soft and warm light, making it particularly suitable as a single light source above a dining table or desk. As it has a wide design, it provides plenty of light. The AMA500 is available in classic white with brass details, but also in a limited edition in deep green. This gives it the same appearance as the pendant light in Alvar Alto's Villa Mairea.
Find out more here: Artek
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Text: David Torcasso(Handelszeitung / BILANZ)
Picture credits: Artek
Press release: Press Release - Artek
