Lightyears

Radon
by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen 2005

The fundamental geometric forms - the circle and the triangle - are key elements in the design of the Radon series. Hans Sandgren Jakobsen is fascinated by the geometric simplicity and thus, he has created design in an utterly clean form where each detail is justified. The circle consists of a half-sphere, while the leg construction forms a universal triangle that ensures the lamp’s stability and balance.
Radon is a light and mobile lamp, made of moulded materials and mounted with rubber feet so it stands firm. The neck at the shade provides flexibility and brings the lamp to life. There is also some air between the shade and the reflector, which insulates and allows you to handle the shade. The switch is placed at the top of the lamp, while the cord leads discreetly out of the back leg to help preserve the lamp’s clean lines.
The light from Radon is direct and adjustable. The shade is multi-directional and furnished with an asymmetrical reflector, ensuring that light spreads out precisely to the surface where it is needed.
Takeru
by Hidenori Kuge 2005

Adjustable lighting is central to the design and construction of Takeru. The idea was to design a series of lamps with flexible adjustment of light to the illuminated surface. Thus, Takeru is created around a pointed light source and a reflector that ensures maximum illumination.
Takeru’s base is die-cast, which gives the slender lamp extra ballast. The armature – which is also moulded – consists of a shade, a handle, a ball joint and two bushings. The specially-designed bushings allow smooth and flexible adjustment of the light. A reflector is also mounted in the shade that directs and diffuses the light. The bottom of the handle is fitted with ABS plastic. This stops heat from rising to the top of the handle, which is used to direct the light. The switch and handle are finished in matt chrome, and the remaining parts are lacquered.
Directed, diffuse light is Takeru’s trademark. The adjustable shade is fitted with a symmetrical reflector that at once brightens and softens the light.  
Helium
by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen 2005

Hans Sandgren Jakobsen was fascinated in the design phase with creating a form based on a function. He drew inspiration from the classic balloon - filled with helium - that floats naturally through the air. The lamp’s stem and globe are inspired by the shape of a classic, beech tree. The base grows from the bottom like a trunk.
The Helium lamp’s characteristic base and stem are made of aluminum alloy and steel, which give the lamp weight. The base is die-cast with a dish-shaped depression that reflects some of the light back up the stem. Likewise, the convex surface of the base is also illuminated. The construction of the armature is based on mathematical calculations that ensure even lighting of the glass with no hint of shadows. The shade itself is hand-blown, triple-layered, opal glass, mounted on a silicone ring on top of the armature housing. It protects the glass and balances it. The suspension of the pendant also has a stabilising effect, as the support wire can be adjusted separately.
In terms of lighting technology, Helium is a thoroughly-conceived lamp. It provides concentrated, direct lighting, and at the same time enhances the diffuse, ambient lighting of the room.  
Caravaggio
by Cecilie Manz 2005

Creating a simple, soft design for small and large pendants was the main idea behind Cecilie Manz’ Caravaggio series. The curves passed through a number of shapes during the design process, but this version captures a feminine form.
The shade is made of drawn steel and coated with smooth, high-gloss enamel. The suspension technology is masculine in construction, creating the right counterbalance to the shade’s feminine lines. The suspension assembly consists of curved steel rods and two pieces of turned brass coated in matt chrome. The depth of the shade prevents glare, no matter how high the pendant is hung. Caravaggio also features an opening at the top, which casts light upwards and illuminates both the suspension and cord.
Caravaggio is characterised by direct lighting without glare. It also adds to the room’s ambient light via the upward lighting from the pendant’s top.    
 
Concert 
by Jørn Utzon 2005

During his work in creating Concert, Jørn Utzon sought to develop a pendant with a pure and organic idiom of design. His idea was to use several different shades, and to strengthen the design further with upward illumination from the lamp. The chosen shade configuration is visually characteristic of Jørn Utzon and reminds us of his greatest work.
Concert is built up of four shades and a parabola of drawn steel, which is mounted on a glass suspension of triple-layer, hand-blown opal glass. The suspension unit sends out a pleasant, even light between the shades. At the same time, it illuminates the two upward shades and part of the cord. The bottom shade casts light downward to the parabola, which then diffuses it. The parabola not only softens the light, but prevents glare – regardless of the height of the lamp. Concert gives a pleasant, non-glaring light without compromising the strength of illumination. The pendant adds to ambient room lighting, thanks to the light sent out between the shades.   
Flamingo
by Halskov & Dalsgaard 2005

The overriding goal in Flamingo was to create a lamp series with a light, elegant appearance. It was also important to create a series with a characteristic, asymmetrical look. The idea behind the asymmetry was to enhance functionality to spread the light effectively. With its asymmetrical form, the pendant is especially suitable for hanging over long dining tables or kitchen countertops.

Flamingo is characterised by a thin, steel bar frame. The steel is curved into a slim but solid foundation, while the angle of the legs ensures that the light is cast precisely where it is needed. The shade – which resembles a bird’s beak – is made of hand-blown, triple-layered, opal glass in a simple design. The shade is focused directly on the light source, so the light spreads effectively despite the lamp’s limited size. A depression in the armature housing is also functional, as it dissipates heat and is illuminated itself as an integral design feature. Even the cord plays a role in Flamingo’s appearance. Fixed into a simple wire holder, the cord falls in a gentle curve that highlights the lamp’s design. The pendant’s suspension balances the glass, as the two suspension wires can be adjusted individually.
The hand-blown glass shade is the Flamingo series’ trademark. It spreads light effectively so the lamp ensures direct, adjustable lighting, and contributes to a room’s normal, diffuse ambient light.    
Mondrian
by Cecilie Manz 2005

Minimalist design was the driving force for designer Cecilie Manz in her development of the lamp series, Mondrian. This is why the lamp can appear as a line in the air, and break the conventional assumption of how a lamp should look. Mondrian is created with halogens bulbs, which has allowed greater freedom in design and a stylishly simple look.

Mondrian is constructed of steel bar and pipe, and moulded parts. To prevent glare, the lamp housing is moulded with a collar around the light source. The translucent ring in moulded acrylic insulates the heat from the outermost section of the lamp head. The ring lights up when the lamp is on, and indicates how to adjust the light. In the table and floor versions, Mondrian’s light can be directed 180 degrees horizontally and 335 degrees vertically. The wall version is fitted with a ball joint that gives smooth and flexible adjustment - regardless of direction. The pendant has two light sources, and can replace the double lamps that typically hang over a long dining table.
Mondrian lamps provide a direct, adjustable light. The lamp housing has a reflector that deflects heat and increases luminosity. This effect is further enhanced by using halogen bulbs with built-in reflectors. 
Sinope
by Strand + Hvass 2005

The design duo Strand + Hvass have taken inspiration from the solar system and the orbits of the planets in their development of Sinope. Their ambition was to create a lamp series with an illumination like the magical glow of the moon at twilight.
Sinope is made of hand-blown glass and moulded parts that give the lamp weight. The base itself is inspired by a circle but shaped as a cross. The radius of the cross’ arms form a circle. The use of a small, G9 socket enables the stand to extend elegantly up into the lamp housing, and the housing’s construction ensures a direct, downward light. At the same time, the glass is illuminated evenly without shadows. The triple-layer, hand-blown opal glass is seated on a thin silicone ring which gently protects the glass. It is fastened by four discreet finger screws. 
This physically small but powerful light source, combined with the hand-blown, matted opal glass, spreads light optimally. It is ideal for room lighting, and at the same time Sinope gives a directed, functional light. The lamp is equipped with a dimmer, so the light can be adjusted to the room’s atmosphere.  

Lamps expressing originality and renewal
 
Lightyears challenges the conventional conception of modern lighting for private homes. In co-operation with some of the most recognized designers they set new standards for design and quality.

A lamp is not just a lamp. It is a source of light that create the atmosphere in a room and ensures the right light at the dining table, when reading or working. The lamp meets several demands and thus a fusion between form and function is vital.

”We wish to challenge the way of developing lighting for the private homes. In co-operation with some of Denmark’s most talented designers we set new standards for how lamp’s can be functional and at the same time an aesthetic experience to look at,” says Managing Director Lars Østergaard Olsen, Lightyears A/S.

Denmark’s proud traditions in lamp design receives a worthy renewal when seven living and recognized Danish designers and one Japanese designer at Copenhagen International Furniture Fair present the most ambitious product launch within design lamps in Denmark for many years.

”Our ambition is to make designed lamps available for a wider target group of design- and quality-conscious consumers. This is done in close co-operation with a team of designers, who from the beginning have shown great enthusiasm for our business idea and contributed with interesting projects. A team of designers and a product range we are very proud of,” says Managing Director Lars Østergaard Olsen.  

Function and Design

Light gives light. Both natures own light and the light from the lamps, which we use to decorate our homes. It is natural to place rigorous demands on the lamps that illuminate our surroundings. Thus a lamp should ensure functional lighting, every detail must have its own purpose and at the same time express progressive and timeless aesthetics. Functional design and refined technology form a synthesis.

This is the design concept behind every lamp in the assortment. Eight product lines with their own very different and original trademark. The products are designed and developed by Lightyears A/S in close co-operation with Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, Halskov & Dalsgaard, Cecilie Manz, Jørn Utzon, Strand + Hvass and Hidenori Kuge.

Already this fall Lightyears will introduce new projects, meaning that Lightyears solely in 2005 introduces 15 product lines by designers Jørn Utzon, Kasper Salto & Thomas Sigsgaard, Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, Cecilie Manz, Halskov & Dalsgaard, Knud Holscher, Strand + Hvass, Arkitektfirmaet C.F. Møller and the Japanese Hidenori Kuge.