Introduction
Artek Valaisimet is a Finnish lighting company that has been in business for over eight decades. The company was founded by Alvar Aalto, a world-renowned Finnish architect and designer. Under his leadership, Artek became famous for its elegant and functional lighting designs. Today, the company continues to produce innovative lighting solutions that combine modern technology with traditional Finnish craftsmanship.
The History of Artek Valaisimet
Artek Valaisimet was founded in 1936 by Alvar Aalto, his wife Aino Aalto, and two other Finnish designers. The company was created to produce lighting for Alvar’s architectural projects, but it quickly expanded to include other designs.
Artek’s lighting designs were inspired by the natural landscapes of Finland, particularly the play of light and shadow in Finnish forests. Aalto believed that lighting should be an integral part of architecture and should enhance the human experience of a space.
Over the years, Artek Valaisimet collaborated with many notable Finnish designers, including Tapio Wirkkala and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Today, the company’s products are sold in over 20 countries around the world.
The Design Philosophy of Artek Valaisimet
Artek Valaisimet is known for its elegant and functional lighting designs. The company’s products are characterized by simple, clean lines and natural materials such as wood and glass. Artek’s designs are inspired by the natural world and the Finnish landscape, and they aim to create lighting solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
One of Artek’s most famous lighting designs is the A338 pendant light, also known as the “Beehive.” The Beehive is a circular lamp made of white painted aluminum and features a series of concentric circles that create an intricate geometric pattern when the light is turned on. The Beehive has become an icon of Finnish design and is still produced and sold by Artek today.
The Materials Used by Artek Valaisimet
Artek Valaisimet uses a variety of materials in its lighting designs, including wood, glass, and metal. The company’s products are known for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Artek’s wooden lamps are made from high-quality birch or oak, which are sustainably sourced from Finnish forests. The wood is carefully selected and processed to maximize its strength and durability, and the lamps are finished with natural oils to protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
Artek’s glass lamps are made from high-quality hand-blown glass, which is carefully crafted by skilled Finnish glassblowers. The glass is selected for its clarity and light-transmitting properties, and the lamps are designed to showcase the beauty of the glass itself.
The Future of Artek Valaisimet
Artek Valaisimet continues to be a leader in the design and production of high-quality lighting solutions. The company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility has earned it a reputation as a socially responsible business.
In the future, Artek Valaisimet aims to continue innovating with new materials and technologies while staying true to its Finnish design roots. The company is committed to creating lighting solutions that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally sustainable.
