The master of light and functionalism In the 1930s and 40s, Vilhelm Lauritzen – one of the most significant architects in Danish history – worked closely with Louis Poulsen on the development of his light fittings. Louis Poulsen subsequently marketed many of the magnificent models for years. Four of them, created specifically for the Radiohuset building – likewise designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen – are now to be relaunched under the names of VL38 table, wall and floor lamp, and VL45 Radiohus Pendant. In their form and idiom, the light fittings are just as relevant today as they were when they were originally created 75 years ago. Vilhelm Lauritzen was the trail-blazing standard bearer for Danish functionalism. He designed a large number of the most important buildings of the age, many of which neatly distilled aspects of contemporary life: Nørrebro Theatre (1931–32), Daells Varehus department store (1928–35), Radiohuset (1936–41) and the first airport in Kastrup (1937–39.) In particular the Radiohuset building and Kastrup Airport – both listed today – are considered peerless modernist monuments in the European genre of construction. From an architectural perspective, Vilhelm Lauritzen allowed the function of the building to find expression through the use of simple building blocks, open layouts, varying ceiling heights and material processing. The idiom of the buildings is dynamic and unpretentious, adapted to suit Danish virtues and the demand for simplicity. The rooms are finely proportioned, benefiting from beautiful lighting, and the sculptural details are always well thought through. The work to design the Radiohuset building commenced in 1934, but was delayed by the Second World War, and although it was completed in 1941, the first stage was not officially opened until 1945. The protracted project period allowed Vilhelm Lauritzen plenty of time to perfect each and every detail – and to develop the lighting solution for the building in close collaboration with Louis Poulsen. The objective was to create lighting that was not only functional, but also festive and unpretentious. Working in tandem, Vilhelm Lauritzen and Louis Poulsen developed original lighting solutions that had never been seen before and which were defined by the particular requirements of the Radiohuset building. In 2008, the building was taken over by the Royal Danish Academy of Music, which lovingly restored it, retaining the original lighting wherever possible. As the name suggests, the Radiohus Pendant was designed specifically for Radiohuset, where it originally formed part of the general lighting in many parts of the building. It is a simple model, consisting of a globe shade made of smooth opal glass. The shade almost completely encases the 5
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