Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1960 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen (Radisson Blu), the AJ luminaires were part of the complete design concept created for the Hotel. Many of the products designed for this occasion are now design icons, such as the Egg and Swan armchairs. AJ lamps have also achieved worldwide fame. Produced by Louis Poulsen and available in table and floor versions, AJ lamps emit a downward light. The angle of the lampshade can be changed to optimise lighting. The inside of the lampshade is painted white to make the light softer and more comfortable.
Born in Copenhagen in 1902, Arne Jacobsen trained as a mason at the Technical College in Copenhagen, before studying architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he graduated in 1927. He initially worked for Paul Holsoe, an architect, before founding his own practice in 1930. One of his significant creations was the Bellavista apartment block in Klampenborg (1933-1934), which earned him the nickname "Danish Le Corbusier." From 1934 onwards, Jacobsen worked closely with Fritz Hansen, a company he was particularly proud of. His furniture can be found in museums and hotels worldwide. Jacobsen was a key figure in the Danish functionalist movement, advocating for rational, functional architecture. He also laid the groundwork for Scandinavian organic modernism. The 1950s were among Jacobsen's most productive years. In 1952, he designed the Ant Chair for a major pharmaceutical company, which remains one of Denmark's best-selling furniture pieces. One of its variations, the Series 7 chair or 3107, was also a commercial success. In 1958, one of his most significant projects began: the design and fitting-out of the SAS Royal in Copenhagen. This project produced the iconic Egg and Swan armchairs, along with the AJ lamps, all characterized by their elegant, timeless design. Arne Jacobsen'slegacy is still very much present in Denmark, where many buildings, houses, theatres, schools, and hotels bear his signature. Internationally, his greatest achievement was the design of St Catherine's College, Oxford, which gave rise to the famous Oxford chair. Fritz Hansen continues to produce Jacobsen's pieces, which have become design classics. His influence on Scandinavian design is still evident today.
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LOUIS POULSEN
Danish brand Louis Poulsen was founded in 1874, originating from traditional Scandinavian design where form follows function. Louis Poulsen became the owner of the company in 1906 after the death of his uncle, Ludvig R. Poulsen. Louis Poulsen’s approach to architectural development began when he collaborated with one of the world’s leading lighting designers, Poul Henningsen. In 1924, the designer began collaborating with Louis Poulsen lighting; their objective was to take part in the "International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts". In 1925 the collaboration proved successful and the Poul Henningsen lamps won the gold medal.