LIGHTING
Scandinavian Architecture and Design is highly influenced by nature and climate. Located close to, and with huge areas even far beyond the Arctic Circle, The dark, cold and windy winters, and long, lacy and light summer-nights together are creating what is thought to be the unique Scandinavian light.
Scandinavian design tends to be light, both in structure and colours. Since the 1950´s, the main focus for Scandinavian designers has been to create simple, practical, affordable, but also beautiful furniture. Walls, floors and ceilings remains light and quiet, supporting whatever light trying to enter from either a dark winter day or a sunny summer day.
Contrary to interior trends that in general tends to come and go, and not always for an obvious reason, what we consider as the Scandinavian style has remained for the last 60-70 years. Obviously with some changes, variations and development, but the core ideas remain. And although the cultural inheritance varies considerably from The Cape of North to Copenhagen, the five countries – Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark – shares a very similar design aesthetic.
When visiting a typical Scandinavian home you will probably notice that the only element disrupting the light and quiet atmosphere is colourful textiles and accessories: Rugs, porcelain, and ceramic objects often displays bright and strong colours.
Natural, locally sourced, materials dominate Scandinavian design, with wood as the most prominent. And the rugs are made from wool. However, some famous designers like Werner Panton have used plastic and other materials with great success: The “Panton Chair” made from moulded plastic is an international icon.
Interior lighting - Poul Henningsen
As mentioned, light plays a very important role in the Scandinavian home, and in the Scandinavian awareness. It´s quite common to have an open fireplace, and candles are frequently used to create a cosy ambience.
For obvious reasons artificial lighting is an absolute necessity, especially during wintertime. You will find renowned lamp designers and manufacturers in all countries, but without doubt the most famous name is Poul Henningsen. Known by his initials PH, he was born in Copenhagen 1894, and is said to be the world´s first lighting architect. In 1925, Henningsen began what would become a lifelong collaboration with Copenhagen-based lighting company Louis Poulsen, for whom he produced over one hundred lamps, all belonging to the PH series, and all based on the idea of multiple shades and diffusors to provide warm, soft light.
Literature:
If this has stirred your interest for Scandinavian interior design you might find it interesting and useful to read the book “Simply Scandinavian”, edited by Sara Norrman, and published by Ryland Peters and Small (www.rylandpeters.com). The book visits 20 homes in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.
