Designer Light Fixture from the 1950s

The VL45 Radiohus pendant light was designed in 1945 by architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in collaboration with Louis Poulsen for the new Danish Broadcasting Building in Frederiksberg, which today houses the Royal Danish Academy of Music. As a reissue, the light fixture is now being produced again based on the original designs from the 1950s—equipped with state-of-the-art lighting technology.

Glass pendant light

The Radiohus pendant light consists of three layers of hand-blown glass. The innermost layer is made of transparent, clear glass; the middle layer of white glass; and the outer layer again of transparent, clear glass. “The connection between the Radiohus pendant light and the radio building is clearly evident in the light’s design and the quality of its lighting. It was originally used for general lighting in many areas of the radio building. The strong light, combined with a softer glow from the opal glass—which creates gentler gradations in the room—makes the fixture ideal for illuminating both festive occasions and everyday activities alike. With its simple style, the pendant light is decorative and perfectly aligns with the interior design trend of combining modern design with classics.” _{Rasmus Markholt - Head of the Design Department at Louis Poulsen}

Light Distribution

The VL45 light emits an even and soft glow through its multiple layers of glass. The opening at the bottom allows the light to be directed downward in a concentrated beam, depending on the suspension height. Depending on the desired light quality, the fixture can therefore be mounted either high—for even lighting—or low—for concentrated lighting.

Danish Functionalism: Vilhelm Lauritzen

Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894–1984) is one of Denmark’s most significant architects and a pioneering figure of Danish Functionalism. Many of his buildings, such as the Nørrebro Theater (1931–1932), the Daells Varehus department store (1928–1935), the Radiohuset broadcasting center (1936–1941), and Copenhagen’s first airport (1937–1939), embody the essence of the modern world. Other significant buildings designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen include the Vega (1953–1956)—formerly the House of the People, which is now used for concerts—as well as the Shell Building (1950–1951) and the Danish Embassy in Washington (1958–1960). In particular, the listed Broadcasting House and the terminal of Copenhagen’s old airport are considered unique monuments of Modernism in European architecture.

Exquisitely Crafted Lighting Design - Louis Poulsen

The Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen , founded in 1874, creates products that embody the duality of design and light. Every detail of a design serves a specific purpose. Every design begins and ends with light. Louis Poulsen offers a wide range of lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor use, covering both professional applications and residential settings. In close collaboration with designers and architects such as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Øivind Slaatto, Alfred Homann, Clara von Zweigbergk, nendo – Oki Sato, and GamFratesi, Louis Poulsen has established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of architectural and decorative lighting.