Modern Lighting of the '50's (German and English Edition)

New edition of this seminal 1953 study of lighting for the modern era

Showcasing mid-century modern design that is as relevant now as ever

More than 250 original images show the design trends of important manufacturers from America, Scandinavia, Germany and Italy

Apart from numerous lesser known designs, one can also see lighting by prominent artists, designers and architects

Essential for collectors and afficiandos of 20th-century lighting and design
In 1953 Alexander Koch published his book Neuzeitliche Leuchten. Nowadays Koch's then selection of lighting by international designers and manufacturers seems truly visionary. He presents a spectrum of diverse designs, whose origins lay not only in the addition of basic geometrical shapes as with the pre-war avant-gardists, but also in the respective temperaments of the different countries of origin. It is very apparent that after the war America, Scandinavia and Italy exerted a strong influence on designs hitherto rather dominated by Bauhaus purism in Germany.

As in architecture, one can also speak of an 'international style' with regard to lighting design. Despite the new orientation towards linear, dynamically flowing forms that cross national borders, diversity within the sculptural appearance of lighting itself remains important as the primary design goal, along with the effect the lighting exudes. The space-defining quality of modern era lighting has been dedicated its own chapter, in which interiors by Richard Neutra and Walter Gropius, among others, testify to the scenographic potential of the new lighting culture.

More than 250 original images show the design trends of important manufacturers from America, Scandinavia, Germany and Italy. Apart from numerous lesser known designs, one can also see lighting by prominent artists, designers and architects. This new edition of the almost obsolete original book is an indispensable standard work for collectors and modern lighting enthusiasts.

Designers featured include Isamu Noguchi (US), Jean Royère (FR), Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (IT), Gino Sarfatti (IT), Wolfgang Tümpel (DE), Alexey Brodovich (US), Paavo Tynell (FI), Franco Buzzi (IT), Arvid Böhlmarks (SE), Herta Witzemann (DE), Walter Gropius (US) and Richard Neutra (US).

Contents:
Desk-Lamps
Working Lamps
Floor-Lamps
Wall-Lamps
Ceiling-Lamps
Light Within Space

Text in English, German and French.