Artek - A201 Pendant Light

Artek - A201 Pendant Light.

Design by Alvar Aalto.

Pendant Light A201 is a sculptural and elegant light that is ideal for many spaces, such as above the dining table, bedroom, and living room. Alvar Aalto originally designed the light in 1952 for the Säynätsalo Municipal Hall in central Finland. The lightshade is made of powder-coated steel with a perforated brass ring to diffuse the light and prevent glare.

More:

The Artek A201 is a sleek, stylish hanging lamp that consists of two steel cylinders and a perforated brass ring. The hanging lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto, reflects light through both the upper and lower parts of the lamp to create an effect comparable to sunlight - in addition to a warm glow, the lamp offers a downlight.

The brass ring adds an elegant finish and prevents glare. Like many of Alvar Aalto's lighting designs, A201 was designed in 1950 for a specific building, namely the Säynätsalo town hall library in Central Finland.

Material: lacquered steel, brass plated and polished steel
Color: white - brass.
Diameter: 29.5 cm. Height: 21 cm.
Lamp base: E27
Light source: 5-7W LED (not included)
Cable length: 250 cm.
Cable color: White
Ceiling cap: the same color as the lamp, included.
Remarks: The new color (RAL 9016) differs slightly from the color of other Artek lamps.

About the designer:

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921, Alvar Aalto obtained the degree of architecture at the Technical Institute of Helsinki and his career as an architect began. One of the most important works he received was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland.

This project also marked the start of Aalto's career as a furniture designer - in fact, this was the first building planned by Aalto and fully furnished with furniture designed by Aalto itself - including the lighting. Other important projects that Alvar Aalto has completed are the Viipuri municipal library, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré and the Finnish pavilions for the 1937 world exhibitions in Paris and 1939 in New York.

Alvar Alto philosophy:

Alvar Aalto believed that the purpose of architecture is to ‘bring the material world into harmony with human life.’ To truly appreciate the scope of this design philosophy, few destinations can compare with Villa Mairea. Created by the Aaltos for their friend and Artek co-founder Maire Gullichsen and her husband Harry, Villa Mairea is widely recognised as one of the great masterpieces of 20th-century architecture. Each detail was given thought and consideration and lighting – perhaps unsurprisingly for two native Finns acquainted with Nordic winters – was of great importance.