Offering a new take on the classic Danish design, &Tradition welcomes the Utzon Special Edition lamp in Steel Blue to its collection. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the completion of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sydney Opera House, by architect and designer Jørn Utzon, this bold new shade brings a striking new character to the pendant.
Originally conceived by Utzon in 1947, a decade before the architect began work on the symbolic Australian monument, the Utzon pendant’s structure is a precursor for the lyrical aesthetic of the landmark’s silhouette. Inspired by time spent as a child in his father’s shipyard, the shade is made of lacquered steel and is comprised of four components formed by a combination of two metal shaping techniques: deep drawing and spinning.
Though relatively simple in their modular form, once each angular component is combined, these minimalist shapes assemble to produce a lamp with architectural presence. A feature which surpasses aesthetic merit alone, Utzon meticulously constructed this configuration to disperse light with calculated precision.
The colour Steel Blue takes cues from a favourite shade of Utzon’s which can be found used in many examples of his structural work, including residencies the architect built for himself and his family. Taken directly from the opera house itself, the high-gloss finish mirrors the ceramic glaze of the chevron-shaped Swedish tiles of the building’s rooftop. An eye-catching addition, this feature brings a sleek sheen to the lamp, adding dynamic highlights to the overall deep blue hue. These two defining features culminate in this special edition lamp to honour one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century.
“Jørn Utzon is an integral part of Danish design and architecture history,” comments Els Van Hoorebeeck, Creative and Brand Director at &Tradition. “The more time we spent digging through archival materials, the more we saw the Steel Blue shade reappear in his work. Additionally, since The Sydney Opera House is surrounded by water, Steel Blue also serves as a reference to this, making the colour and high-gloss finish a wonderful tribute to its 50 year anniversary.” Measuring 22cm in diameter and 23cm in height, the Utzon Special Edition pendant is a compact lighting fixture suitable for both private and professional spaces. The pendant’s graphic silhouette adds a striking visual element when hung individually above dining tables in homes, and as rows or clusters to fill larger environments. The pendant comes with a fixed 4-meter fabric cord, providing additional length for flexibility and freedom during the installation process.
One of the most influential Danish architects of the 20th century, Jørn Utzon is best-known for designing the Sydney Opera House in the 1960s, an impressive building where the façade appears different from any given angle and 60-metrehigh semi-curves open out towards the harbour, exemplifies his organic concept of architecture and expressive sculptural style.
More design by Jørn Utzon:
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