VL 56 from Louis Poulsen

The well-known functionalist architect, Vilhelm Lauritzen designed the VL 56 Pendant for Folkets Hus, in Vesterbro Copenhagen. Originally designed and built for the Danish Labour Movement, the building opened in 1956 and is now used as a concert hall, called Vega. The building is a gesamtkunstwerk, meaning that Lauritzen designed everything in the building, from doorknobs, staircases and power outlets, to furniture and lamps.

The VL 56 Pendant is one of the lamps Vilhelm Lauritzen designed for Vega, and to this day it hangs above the wood-panelled bar, adjacent to the concert hall. Both the chrome and brass variants were reintroduced in 2023, with slight adjustments and improvements.

The pendant emits downward directed glare-free light. The radial perforation pattern around the opening creates a softer transition between light and darkness. The perforations create a soft beautiful pattern of light both on the shade and on the surrounding surfaces.