Finland’s lamp designs reflect light and dark connections

Finland has a unique relationship with light and darkness, which has shaped its design for over a century. Håkan Långstedt, the CEO of Saas Instruments in Helsinki, emphasizes the importance of preserving darkness in lighting design. The studio promotes a style that creates comfortable contrasts between light and dark, especially in spaces like homes and museums. The significance of light in Finnish design can be traced back to pioneers like Alvar Aalto. Aalto was inspired by his experiences in a hospital and designed the Paimio Sanatorium to enhance patient comfort through thoughtful lighting placement. His later work includes the renovated Finlandia Hall, which features both natural and artificial light in harmony. Other notable designers from Finland’s lighting history include Yrjö Kukkapuro, known for his sculptural designs, and Paavo Tynell, celebrated for creating iconic brass light fixtures. Emerging designers also draw from this rich heritage. For instance, Joanna Laajisto aims to blend architectural and decorative lighting in a way that resonates with the country’s seasonal light changes. Recent innovations include Didi NG Wing Yin’s Wood Shaving Lamp, which showcases sustainable materials, and Imola Balogh’s Woodfoam lamp that embraces the imperfections of natural materials. These new works reflect a strong connection to Finland’s natural environment and a balance between respecting the past while looking towards the future.