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The Ohm Collection Finds Its Inspiration in Old Porcelain Insulators

10.08.19 | By
The Ohm Collection Finds Its Inspiration in Old Porcelain Insulators

Inspired by old porcelain insulators, the glazed surface of the Ohm Collection designed by Kauppi & Kauppi for Ifö Electric is safe against wind, water, and sunlight. The new range of indoor/outdoor lighting features soft curves and clean silhouettes that reference the company’s legacy, and includes the first table lamp in the company’s history.

“We had a desire to create a luminaire family with a restrained and friendly expression. In our minds we imagined an idea of a standard luminaire, naturally melting into different environments with the possibility to last aesthetically over time,” says the designers of studio Kauppi & Kauppi.

Kauppi & Kauppi wanted to celebrate porcelain, production, and the heritage of Ifö Electric, Scandinavia’s only factory producing pressed porcelain. The result is a collection that looks great on walls, ceilings, and facades. The table lamp was designed to be flexible in use – on a table, near your bedside, or in a window. This initial launch includes two sizes of porcelain bases, in high gloss white or black glaze, as well as glass shades featuring either a short or high profile available in matte opal or clear glass.

“The aspect of time is something we have reflected over a lot in this project. We like to see our design process with Ohm as ‘Slow Design’ Construction, tooling and preparations for pressing porcelain takes time, but is also allowed to take time. The extensive efforts are made with a long term holistic perspective in mind… Porcelain luminaires will survive styles and trends with a potentially longer lifecycle than many buildings. An aspect of the sustainability that ought to be more discussed,” says designer Johan Kauppi.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.