When we first met Harri Koskinen, he was still an unknown student, but he had an amazing idea. An idea that would generate a worldwide success — the Block Lamp.
It has now been three decades since that first introductiona and what began as a student assignment in Helsinki – casting everyday objects in glass – became a design that has since traveled far beyond its origins. Today, the Block Lamp is one of Design House Stockholm’s most recognizable pieces, part of MoMA’s permanent collection, and found in homes across the world.
“People loved the contrast between what seemed to be an ice cube and the hot light bulb inside. The way it floated in the air was magical.”
– Harri Koskinen
Harri Koskinen, 1997.
The idea was disarmingly simple. The strength lies in its contrasts: cold, heavy glass embracing the warmth of a simple light bulb. Sculpture and function in equal measure. Not designed to impress, but to intrigue. To show that even the most ordinary object, when framed in a new way, can spark imagination.
The idea was born when Koskinen, as a design student in Helsinki, wanted to create a gift where the packaging became part of the object. The Block Lamp didn’t fit the workshop requirements, but Harri made 40 of them anyway by himself. They sold out the same evening he presented them. His experiment with encasing a bulb in two glass blocks led to immediate success.
Celebrating the Block Lamp is not about looking back, but about acknowledging why it still matters today. When we call something an icon, it is not a matter of status. It is about resonance – about designs that continue to feel relevant and inspiring long after their first appearance. They become symbols, touchpoints, and reminders of what design can achieve.
A design becomes an icon not because of recognition, but because it continues to resonate. Thirty years on, the Block Lamp still invites reflection, imagination, and quiet wonder.
A Modern Classic.
Still turning heads.
Still lighting minds.
More design by Harri Koskinen:
Celebrating an Icon – Block Lamp 30 Years design by Harri Koskinen
When we first met Harri Koskinen, he was still an unknown student, but he had …
Woodnotes K Chair in new “Sky” colorway by Harri Koskinen
“Colours of Water 2025” collection launched at Habitare 2025 Harri Koskinen’s iconic design classic from …
Harri Koskinen´s Magnitude exhibition @ Galerie Forsblom
Harri Koskinen: Magnitude Galerie Forsblom, August 22–September 21, 2025 Harri Koskinen one of Finland’s most …
A New Life for a Classic – The k Chair’s Removable Covers Are Easy to Install – Woodnotes
A New Life for a Classic – The k Chair’s Removable Covers Are Easy to …
Aarni X Alvar & Aino Aalto watch collection design by Harri Koskinen
Aarni X Alvar & Aino Aalto watch collection Alvar and Aino Aalto. A power couple …
The S 12 wall hook was created for Thonet by Finnish designer Harri Koskinen
The new S 12 wall hook A room’s overall appearance is determined by the sum …
K Chair 20 years Special Edition by Harri Koskinen @ Habitare
This autumn, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of our beloved k chair, designed by …
Igman Lounge Chair +Ottoman design by Harri Koskinen for Zanat
With the design of Igman Lounge Chair, Harri Koskinen, successfully bridged Bosnian and Finish craftsmanship …
A new piece of furniture that lets you store and charge by Harri Koskinen – Henki Furniture
Room For Thoughts Charging Cabinet A designer charging cabinet to store and charge digital devices. …
Reflextion 1_3 is a table mirror from left over material by Harri Koskinen – Wooden Oy
Reflextion 1_3 is a table mirror made for Wooden. Wood is gathered from Wooden’s left …
Igman Mini Lounge design by Harri Koskinen for Zanat
Igman Mini Lounge Chair by Harri Koskinen is a final edition to the Igman family …
The mother of Woodnotes, textile artist & master colorist Ritva Puotila found a new timeless green for paper yarn – Woodnotes
Milan calling! At this year’s Salone Del Mobile in Milan, we will share a stand …
The birch plywood lamps Pilke are colored in a hue creating a beautiful walnut tone – Pilke
Pilke Signature Collection’s Pendant 60 and Pendant 28 are now coming in a new dark …
k Char with a star base by Harri Koskinen for Woodnotes
The k chair family is growing: the newcomer with a star base The first version …
Harri Koskinen
Harri Koskinen (born in 1970) has an uncompromising, bold design aesthetic that has gained him …
Chroma by Harri Koskinen for Memo Furniture
Chroma is an ensemble of Lounge Seating designed by Harri Koskinen, produced by Memo, a …
NUDE Dining Chair design by Harri Koskinen for Made of Choice
The Nude chair was originally tailored for one of Finland’s most prolific chef and restauranteur …
The White Chair design by Harri Koskinen for Billiani
The White chair is inspired by sixties Nordic design The White chair is inspired by …
Igman Chair design by Harri Koskinen for Zanat
“Modernism is about how we understand humanity and relate to nature.” Igman dining chair is …
The Swivel k Chair design by Harri Koskinen – Woodnotes
WOODNOTES COLLECTION 2015 ON SHOW IN STOCKHOLM k CHAIR WITH ARMRESTS The swivel k chair …
The Ilmari Tapiovaara collector coin designed by Harri Koskinen
Mint of Finland is planning to release silver 10- and 20-euro collector coins in honour …
Lento Lounge chair – received the 2012 GOOD DESIGN™ design by Harri Koskinen
The Lento Lounge easy chair has received the 2012 GOOD DESIGN™ Award and the Interior …
Nordic Design Today 2013 @ Vandalorum
Exhibition of the World’ s Largest Design Prize at Vandalarum VANDALORUM is honared to …
January Tables by Harri Koskinen for Nikari
The Nikari January Tables by Harri Koskinen exemplify Finnish design excellence. Originally evolved from a …
The Swivel K Chair design by Harri Koskinen for Woodnotes
A Harri Koskinen Interior Innovation Award winning design from 2004, the k chair is now …
Art Works design by Harri Koskinen for iittala
New concept from Iittala – ART WORKS by Harri Koskinen as the first artist In …
k chair design by Harri Koskinen – Woodnotes
THE SWIVEL K CHAIR A Harri Koskinen Interior Innovation Award winning design from 2004, the …
Lento Chair designed by Harri Koskinen for Artek
Lento designed by Harri Koskinen in 2006/2009, the lento chair is made of pressed birch …
Artek in the beginning of the next seventy years
Artek in 2006 is a combination of old and new Artek in Glossy Black This …
Ristikko Lamp design by Harri Koskinen for Pilke
Handmade birch pendant lamp Harri Koskinen’s Ristikko lamp collection for Pilke combines geometric minimalism with …
Artek launching new collection of rugs by six designers
Artek is launching a new collection of wool rugs created by six talented Finnish designers: …
MUU Chair design by Harri Koskinen for BBB
“Recognizing needs is a pre-condition for design.” The Muu chair, designed by Harri Koskinen for Montina and …
Källemo presented during the Furniture Fair 2000 – Hommage 1900 Källemo
HOMMAGE 1900 KÄLLEMO Looking in the rearview mirror, among the multitude of furniture through the …