The Ramon Magsaysay Center as a Modernist Landmark Driving down Roxas boulevard from Rizal Park, what will catch your eye is the most elegant modernist structure in the country, the Ramon Magsaysay Center. Most established Filipino architects put it in their top ten lists of favorite buildings. It was designed by Alfredo J. Luz, who […]
Louis Poulsen 150th Anniversary Shines Bright at Focus Global Showroom
Focus Global celebrated the Louis Poulsen 150th anniversary on August 29 with an exclusive event at their showroom in Bonifacio Global City. Dubbed “The He(art) of Light,” the evening honored iconic design, innovation, and the brand’s rich history.
“Tonight is a celebration of 150 years of Louis Poulsen and a reflection on the milestones we’ve achieved together in the two years since Focus Global introduced Louis Poulsen to the Philippines.” Lolita Sy, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Focus Global said during the event.
“Celebrating 150 years is a testament to the enduring relevance of Louis Poulsen’s design philosophy. Tonight is a reflection of our journey, our heritage, and the lasting impact we’ve made across the world, including here in the Philippines,” said Ethel Tan, Louis Poulsen Brand and PR Manager for APAC.
The event was attended by luminaries of the local architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and interior design industry, members of the press, and dignitaries from the Danish Embassy. Also in attendance were personalities and celebrities.
Poul Henningsen’s Legacy of Innovation
The Louis Poulsen 150th anniversary event celebrated the brand’s storied legacy in the world of lighting. It focused particularly on the brand’s iconic three-shade system pioneered by Poul Henningsen. The brand showcases this system through some of its most celebrated pieces. These pieces highlight its anti-glare properties and ability to diffuse light precisely where needed.
Among them was the PH 21 pendant light, presented in its classic opal glass form, but also available in sleek aluminum. The beauty of Henningsen’s design is that even when examined up close, the light source remains hidden. This creates a cozy, hygge atmosphere—a Danish concept of comfort and warmth.
Front and center of the exhibit space was Henningsen’s Artichoke lamp, mounted in a circular pavilion. A masterpiece synonymous with Louis Poulsen, Henningsen originally designed it in 1958 for Copenhagen’s Langelinie Pavilion. Available in various sizes, its most iconic versions feature copper and brass finishes, which patinate beautifully over time, lending a vintage feel as the lamp ages with its owner. Craftsmen hand-install 72 leaves on each Artichoke, ensuring the light’s even distribution.
An Iconic Collection
Among the many standout pieces was the Panthella, designed by Verner Panton. It comes in a lightweight, portable version, rechargeable via USB-C, and is a nod to Scandinavian minimalism. Available in both opal glass and metal variations, it’s perfect for modern living, offering convenience without compromising on style.
The event also paid homage to Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, with the AJ Lamp named in his honor. Designed with a practical round base to house his ashtray, the AJ Lamp reflects Jacobsen’s eye for both form and function. Meanwhile, the event celebrated Vilhelm Lauritzen, the first designer to collaborate with Louis Poulsen. His philosophy that “there is no life without aesthetics,” is embodied in the Guldpendel lamp, a design reminiscent of sleek, modern AirPods.
The evening’s pièce de résistance was the unveiling of Louis Poulsen’s 150th-anniversary limited collection. This exclusive series featured three pieces: the Artichoke, the AJ Lamp, and the PH 21, each with a beautiful matte white finish and brass accents instead of the usual chrome. With only 300 pieces produced worldwide, attendees had a rare glimpse of these collectible items, with the #65 Artichoke on proud display.
Capturing the Essence of Light and Movement
Adding a creative twist to the evening was a photo exhibit by celebrated photographer Colin Dancel. Known for her work in Mega and Vogue Philippines, Dancel’s work played with themes of movement and light,. Her photographs perfectly complemented the Louis Poulsen ethos, reflecting the delicate balance between art and functionality.
“The Philippines has a rich and vibrant artistic community, and at Focus Global, we are proud to be part of this dynamic landscape. By working with a talent like Colin, we not only celebrate the global impact of Louis Poulsen but also highlight the incredible creativity and vision that exists here in the Philippines,” says Louis Poulsen Brand Manager Luth Cardano.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left the showroom with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that defines the Louis Poulsen 150th anniversary. The event was a celebration of design as a whole—an affirmation that in the hands of a master, even something as utilitarian as a lamp can become a work of art.
The He(art) of Light exhibit is open to the public until September 15, 2024 at the 29th Floor of the Twenty-four Seven McKinley Building, BGC.
Photography by Ed Simon.
Rinna Soriano’s favorite part of her work is sanding. At her workbench, she stays focused, following the grain, adjusting to changes in its direction. Narra, she has learned, can have interlocking grain. A piece of mango once proved particularly difficult until a worker explained that she had reached the point where a branch once grew […]
Filipino architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary has long been associated with indigenous materials and vernacular design strategies, from bamboo and timber construction to jalousie windows, generous spaces, […]
A chair does not always prescribe how to sit in it. A lamp can be more than a source of light. A clock can be more than a way to tell the time.These small departures from convention are at the center of IKEA PS 2026. The latest iteration of IKEA’s experimental PS series comprises more […]
Large-format porcelain is no longer limited to conventional floor and wall applications. Advances in scale, finish, and fabrication have expanded its role across architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture […]
Mindanaoan architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary student Ejhay L. Durias of the University of Mindanao made history after becoming the first Filipino to receive the AYDA International […]
Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.
Recommended Video
Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00