Introducing Wästberg - Creating Well-being Through Good Light
The Beginnings
Magnus Wästberg, founder and CEO of Wästberg, grew up in Sweden immersed in the world of light and lighting. His father ran a lighting company, and although Magnus initially intended to forge his own path, he soon found himself working alongside his father. Their travels exposed them to various lighting environments, many of which, despite meeting regulations and standards, felt harsh and unwelcoming.
Magnus realised that good lighting could not rely solely on measurable qualities. There are immeasurable aspects equally vital to creating light that speaks to human nature, emotions, and needs. Inspired by Paul Klee’s quote, “One eye sees, the other feels,” Magnus established Wästberg in 2008 with the mission of creating well-being through good light.
"Our aim is to create well-being through good light" – Magnus Wästberg, founder and CEO
The Aim
Collaborating closely with leading architects and designers, Wästberg develops lighting solutions that are long-lasting, technologically driven, economically viable, and environmentally conscious. Their lighting addresses fundamental human needs, both physical and emotional, adapting as these needs evolve.
Wästberg's 2008 manifesto, "Lamps for Neanderthal Man," highlighted humanity's primitive relationship with light in the form of fire. For over a million years, fire was our sole artificial light source, providing safety, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. Electric light, by contrast, has been around for just over a century. In today's overly-lit spaces, designed under the mistaken notion that more light equals greater productivity, we often feel exposed and uncomfortable.
Wästberg aims to create modern-day "fires" – light that shines for us, not on us. Their lighting solutions cater to the fundamental human needs to see, read, write, reflect, envision, and imagine. They support both dynamic social contexts and personal spheres of familiarity and safety.
Solving Human Problems
At Wästberg, technology and innovation are central to providing good light. However, they recognise that technical possibilities do not always align with human preferences. True innovation, for Wästberg, involves finding the best solutions by balancing measurable and immeasurable qualities, ensuring that lighting not only serves practical needs but also enhances human well-being.
"Light should shine for us, not on us." – Magnus Wästberg, founder and CEO
Three Tenets of Light
To create modern-day fires, Wästberg draws on lighting designer Richard Kelly’s three tenets of light, presented in 1952. While his principles remain relevant, Wästberg adapts them to contemporary contexts.
Simply put, good lighting is the interplay of three kinds of light, where focal glow is usually the most dominant.
Focal Glow
Ambient Luminiscence
Atmospheric Accents
Focal glow is focused light with clear direction and definition, often seen in task lights, pendant lamps, or spotlights. It draws attention, differentiates important from unimportant elements, and helps people see. Ideally, focal glow is adjustable and dimmable, allowing for versatile uses and atmospheres.
Ambient luminescence provides shadowless illumination, essential in many environments but ideally kept to a minimum, complementing focal glow. Wästberg recommends plug-and-play fixtures for their quality and flexibility, contrasting with conventional overhead lights.
Wästberg offers a revised take on Kelly’s play of brilliants, focusing on gentle atmospheric touches that provide comfort and intimacy. Atmospheric accents, like candles or lanterns, add inviting warmth and a soothing glow, enhancing any space’s mood. These accents can be placed anywhere for decorative emphasis or to create a comforting ambience.
Product Highlights
Founded in 2008 by Magnus Wästberg in Helsingborg, Sweden, Wästberg has established enduring collaborations with renowned architects and designers such as Ilse Crawford, David Chipperfield, Claesson Koivisto Rune, and Dirk Winkel.
Wästberg's products, developed in Sweden, are found in offices, homes, hotels, and museums worldwide. The company has earned international acclaim and received over 50 prestigious design awards.
w102 Chipperfield
w102 Chipperfield references an archetypal personal desk lamp for home or office use and seeks to offer a fresh interpretation of the familiar on a domestic scale.
The w102 Chipperfield family includes a desk lamp, a wall lamp, a floor lamp and a surface mounted pin version.
w153 Île
With w153 Île, Inga Sempé revisits the simple yet clever clamp lamps of her childhood, upgrading their status while adding stability, personality and multi-functionality.
w153 Île shines brightly enough to be your bedside reading partner, as well as gladly playing a more decorative role, adding a dash of light and colour where needed.
w171 Alma
Based on the graceful curve of a rotated sine wave, w171 Alma is discreet yet fascinating with its sculptural feel and soft contrasts between light and shadow.
Behind the deceptively simple curves lies real craftsmanship, using artfully formed aluminium to capture the smooth waves.
w203 Ilumina
Shining in the dark like an illuminated manuscript, w203 Ilumina is our update of the classic library lamp – drawing on innovative lighting technology while personifying our love of materials.
Whether used in the home or the office, w203 IIumina offers a warm, familiar ambience and directed light with clear yet gentle definition.
Wästberg continues to innovate, creating lighting that fosters well-being and aligns with both our primitive and modern-day needs.
