TP
About
AI-Era Value:Unrivaled Expertise
PdM / CPO
Navigating the Core: The Evolution of a Product Designer
Business / UIUX
Dieter Rams
10(→3+2) Principles for Good Design
Theory
A Professional Perspective: the Golden Ratio
UI Design
Four essntial steps of Micro Interactions
Behavioral Economics
Utility:The Psychological Wallet and the Complexity of Product Growth
UX Framework
The Pros and Cons of User Interviews
Art
Marcel Duchamp
Marcel Duchamp And Modern Art
Donald Judd
Minimalism and Abstraction
Storm Thorgerson
Intentional Ambiguity
Product
King Sun Lamp
An Elegant Table Lamp in Newyork
Beogram 4000c
Futuristic design that remains timeless.
PH 4/3 lamp
Object's presence and its harmony with the space.
DesignProductSoft Light and Shade Design
Products - 2024 -
The PH 4/3 is a cornerstone of the iconic PH series by Louis Poulsen. Despite being a base model, its simplicity makes it an incredibly charming piece of lighting. While "PH" serves as the product prefix, it is also a term of endearment in Denmark, where the designer Poul Henningsen is often referred to simply as "PH."
Product Overview: PH 4/3 Pendant
| Name / Year | PH 4/3 (1966) |
| Category | Shade Lamp (Pendant Light) |
| Designer | Poul Henningsen / Louis Poulsen |
The PH 4/3 is a refined, simplified evolution of a model originally designed in 1928.
Henningsen’s lamps are engineered with multiple concentric shades to protect the eyes from glare, concealing the light source so that only soft, reflected light is emitted.
This creates its signature gentle illumination and beautifully nuanced shadows.
The name "PH 4/3" refers to the specific proportions of the shades. As illustrated, the shades follow a 3:2:1 ratio from top to bottom.
A major milestone in the PH series was the "Pariserlampen" (Paris Lamp)—a modular multi-screen lamp that won the gold medal at the 1925 International Exhibition in Paris. This laid the foundation for various sizes and designs, including the PH 4/3. Through this evolutionary process, issues like anti-glare and light range were perfected, making these products beloved worldwide.
PH 4/3 and Spatial Design
The PH 4/3 is also available as a table lamp, though its presence is somewhat more rugged, requiring a keen sense of style to coordinate effectively. (Fortunately, Louis Poulsen offers many other elegant table lamps, providing plenty of options.)
To be honest, through my experience living in and coordinating various designer properties, I’ve realized that the "top-tier" model isn't always the best choice. The investment doesn't always correlate with the final aesthetic result.
What matters most is the timing of the object’s presence and its harmony with the space.
In that regard, the PH 4/3 pendant—while a base model—is a masterful product that harmonizes beautifully with a wide range of interiors.
