Inspirational Spaces
No. 3: Modernism in Wuppertal
Introduction
The house, perched precariously on a hillside deep within the forests of Wuppertal, Germany, was completed in 1967 and has gradually regained its reputation as a masterpiece of European modernist architecture. The roof beams extending beyond the facade, an open floor plan, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls gently blend the interior with the surrounding landscape, among the building’s defining features. The house has undergone several renovations in recent years to restore its original form. In the realm of lighting, this project seems to embody Wästberg’s mission statement: an effort to restore the most fundamental philosophies of lighting—a “religion” of light that has been lost.
w132 Nendo
The w132 Nendo provides soft lighting and a soothing ambiance, whether you plan to use the space for thinking, reading, or simply relaxing. The w132 Nendo is highly versatile, thanks to its adjustable height—it can be raised or lowered as needed. The w132 Nendo was created in collaboration with the Japanese design firm Nendo.
w102 Chipperfield
The w102 Chipperfield, with its warm white light and full color spectrum, is an ideal choice for settings where accurate color perception is essential. The w102 Chipperfield is a prime example of a classic desk lamp, here in a variant designed for residential use. It provides warm white light that is evenly distributed and glare-free. Perfect for use by the bedside. The w102 Chipperfield Floor lamp, available in brass or dark steel, is exceptionally well-suited for illuminating a specific, narrow area. Combined with the w102 Chipperfield Table lamp and the under-table pin light, it forms a comprehensive solution for larger spaces. The w102 was created in collaboration with British architect David Chipperfield.
w203 Ilumina
The w203 Ilumina is a reimagining of the classic library lamp. The light source is completely hidden, so it does not strain the eyes. The w203 Ilumina was created in collaboration with British designer Ilse Crawford.
w181 Linier
The w181 Linier features built-in dimming knobs at both ends. It can be controlled independently from either end, allowing you to adjust the brightness to your desired level, which ensures maximum adaptability for various applications. The w181 Linier was created in collaboration with German designer Dirk Winkel.
w164 Alto
The w164 Alto brings a sense of warmth and ambiance to your home. With its plug-and-play functionality—simply plug it in and use it—it easily adapts to any setting, taste, and need. The w164 Alto was created in collaboration with German designer Dirk Winkel.
w163 Lampyre
The w163 Lampyre takes its name from the French word for "firefly larva," referring to the larval stage of the firefly. It is white and made of hand-blown glass. Even at its brightest setting, looking directly at the lamp remains very pleasant. When dimmed, this is perhaps when it is at its most beautiful: radiant, warm, gentle, and alluring. w163 Lampyre was created in collaboration with French designer Inga Sempé.
Details:
Photographer: Simon Menges
Architecture: Richard Neutra