The Calm Wall Lamp designed by Aleksej Iskos for Muuto shines a new light on the everyday
The function is tied to the poetic qualities of design in Aleksej Iskos unmistakable work. Every object he designs carefully balances the technical with the whimsical. They tell a story, one that not only appeals to the senses but also the imagination. Years in the making, Calm Wall Lamp is the perfect example of just that. Inspired by nature and organic lighting, the lamp gives a versatile atmospheric light that is diffused by fabric. The lamp is available in three different sizes ranging from modest to monumental.
”I often find that my design process is a peculiar combination of rational thinking and intuition. When logic doesn’t suffice, intuition lends a hand and when intuition falters, logic sets in. This was the case with the Calm Wall Lamp as well, going back and forth until striking an elegant balance of pure logic and emotional sensibilities,” Aleksej Iskos reveals.
The idea arose, as it often does, from the everyday. Iskos is an observer. Landing at Copenhagen Airport, he passed a billboard light box and came to a halt. Printed on a textile-like material, the ad lit up with an extraordinary, pleasant glow. He was captivated by how the light traveled through the material. The city was the starting point for the Calm Wall Lamp, yet the result is deeply rooted in nature:
“A beautiful gradient emerges between light and shadows,
enhanced by a textile surface with a tactile touch. That,
combined with a distinctive sculptural form, brings a soft and
calming yet powerful presence to a space. It is functional, but
also profound as it emulates daylight from dawn to dusk.”
— Aleksej Iskos
“Scandinavian design is partially characterized by its great respect for nature in terms of materials and light; something that I wanted to infuse the Calm Wall Lamp with, creating a light that isn’t tamed but instead has an organic flow,” he says.
What makes it unique is its approach to light itself, giving the users an opportunity to intuitively dim and adjust its temperature to fit their needs and preferences. “It gives one the opportunity to experience everyday life in a different way, in a new light,” adds Iskos.
While it is inherently functional, it is also a work of art in its own right. Its textile surface gently diffuses the light, forming a gradient from its edge to its center. The light disperses naturally from the central light source, a soft transition that is gentler on the eyes. It is effective and comfortable. A matte rubber band frames Calm Wall Lamp, lending a crisp edge to the softness of the organic design.
“A beautiful gradient emerges between light and shadows, enhanced by a textile surface with a tactile touch. That, combined with a distinctive sculptural form, brings a soft and calming yet powerful presence to a space. It is functional, but also profound as it emulates daylight from dawn to dusk.”
Aleksej Iskos
Aleksej Iskos is a Ukrainian designer based in Copenhagen since 1991. While known for his work with Komplot Design and as a co-founder of Iskos-Berlin Design, he established his own studio in 2018. His practice revolves around creating objects where function instinctively meets poetry.
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