The VL Ring Crown originates from a series of lighting designs developed by Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in the 1940s for Radiohuset, the headquarters of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation in Copenhagen. Within this architectural project, Lauritzen also designed luminaires such as the VL38 and VL45, responding to the broadcasting environment’s need for stable, soft, and low-glare illumination. The circular configuration of the Ring Crown was conceived within this same context, reflecting Lauritzen’s systematic approach to shaping the overall luminous environment of an architectural space.
The luminaire is structured around a circular ring, with five light sources evenly distributed along its circumference. This arrangement allows light to spread horizontally and outward, rather than concentrating in a single direction. Each light source is enclosed by an opal glass shade, which diffuses the light and reduces glare, producing an even and comfortable illumination suitable for public or working environments intended for prolonged use.
It is worth noting that the VL Ring Crown pendant as known today was not mass-produced directly from the original Radiohuset installation. Instead, it was later developed into a complete series based on Lauritzen’s original drawings and lighting concepts. The design was subsequently applied in other interior contexts, including commercial interiors designed by Finn Juhl in the 1940s, demonstrating the form’s adaptability and the robustness of its optical logic.
In the five-light version, the Ring Crown has a more pronounced spatial presence than the single- or three-light configurations, while maintaining clarity and restraint in its structure. Rather than relying on ornamentation, the design employs geometric order and controlled light quality to integrate the luminaire into the architectural composition—exemplifying Lauritzen’s holistic approach to architecture, lighting, and human experience.
Item No.: L251s
