Wästberg is a lighting company based in Malmö, Sweden, that aims to support wellbeing through the creation of good light. Since founding in 2008, the company has established close collaborations with leading architects and designers such as John Pawson, Ilse Crawford, David Chipperfield Claesson Koivisto Rune, Nendo, Dirk Winkel, amongst others. Wästberg produces lighting for a variety of environments including private residences, offices, hotels and museums around the world.
Interview with Magnus Wästberg, Founder & CEO of Wästberg.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Magnus Wästberg: We focus strongly on technology and innovation, which are essential to the production of our lighting collections. To us, true innovation means making the effort to find the best possible results, putting equal effort into both the measurable and the immeasurable qualities, and to provide precisely engineered lighting solutions. We always strive to produce good energy efficient lighting, and focus on the way lighting is used, which can be an important way to save energy.
E.E: What news can you share about the new products?
M.W: Our latest lighting collections continue our commitment to creating products that promote wellbeing through good light, while also advancing technical innovation and performance. Each of the new products are a result of a close collaboration between the Wästbergs product development team and external designers such as John Pawson, Claesson Koivisto Rune, David Chipperfield, and Dirk Winkel. We also launched re-engineered classics by Inga Sempé and Nendo which have been refined and upgraded with new lighting and mechanical solutions.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
M.W: We have a diverse range of pieces which suit both commercial and home settings. The latest lighting collections include the w221 Medium pendant, w222 Focal ceiling lights, w223 Pawson table lamp, w224 Alto pendant, w225 Ion and w227 Winkel alu. The new collections reflect our enduring passion towards creating pieces that stand the test of time, while innovating classic lighting forms.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
M.W: To me, timelessness has always been a key factor, rather than following ever-changing design trends. From the perspective of sustainability, it is essential in extending the lifespan of a product. Lighting is an important investment and is one of the most crucial factors for physical and emotional wellbeing.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
M.W: Our most important innovation lies in our ability to create holistic products that are technically advanced, whilst also providing deeply emotional qualities. In our opinion, only then can a lighting product be truly innovative.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
M.W: For 2023, sustainability will continue as an area of development, as the need to be responsive towards new technologies becomes even more crucial. Rethinking how lighting elements can be adapted with the environment at the forefront, will be a key focus for Wästberg.