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Interior Designer Profile - Poul HenningsenDanish architect and designer Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) is widely regarded as a true "master of lamp making." Born in Ordrup and trained as an architect at the Danish College of Technology in Copenhagen, he is often quoted explaining that, "from the age of eighteen, when I began to experiment with light, I have been searching for harmony in lighting."
He worked in the familiar format of the table, wall and hanging lamp, concentrating on the role of the shade and pioneering the multi-layered shade. Henningsen had grown up in the era of petroleum lamps, and he sought to create bright electric lights that could exhibit many of the same soft, relaxing qualities. In order to do this he studied, and improved upon, every property of the standard light fixture. He took into account all the elements of the shade-- placement, measurements, materials-- to assure that the light could be directional without being harsh, while also filling the room. Henningsen was wary of the discrepancy in tones between the levels of intensity and he worked to create the most even possible effect. He tried varying the colors of the inside of the shade over the years as well, in order to give off light from different parts of the spectrum. Using different kinds of glass, such as opal, for the shade could also achieve a wide range of light quality and determine the tone of an interior. Henningsen experimented outside the domestic sphere as well, designing a 1931 dentist's light that could be manipulated in any direction, and, with Louis Poulsen's incandescent lamps he created a street lighting project. Placing the lights at a low level, and using the angle of the curb, Henningsen arranged to throw the light in such a way that the road was optimally lit for the driver, without any glare or reflection, and pedestrians and parked cars were clearly outlined. Like many of his contemporaries, Henningsen's new work was displayed each year at the Cabinetmaker's Guild Exhibitions in Copenhagen. He was also known in Denmark as a poet, playwright, journalist and editor of the magazine, Critical Revue. He was thought to be one of the most thoughtful critics of both architecture and of the culture of the times. Start your interior design career today by requesting information from one of our highly respected interior design schools! Find a school near you >> Copyright © 2005 Interior Design Schools All rights reserved. |
