Frederik Gustav creating sensory objects and installations that convey joy and curiosity
Copenhagen-based design duo Frederik Gustav, composed of Frederik Weber and Gustav Dupont, embody a design philosophy that blends elements of art, architecture, and functional design. Their unique approach centers around creating sensory objects and installations that convey joy, curiosity, and wonder. Through meticulous experimentation with materials, structure, and form, Frederik Gustav’s work is a compelling expression of craftsmanship and innovation, aimed at evoking an emotional response from the observer.
The duo’s creations are shaped by their distinct method of exposing structural elements, celebrating the materials and techniques used to bring each piece to life. This raw, industrial aesthetic becomes a narrative in itself, communicating stories inspired by context, place, and societal trends. Working from their Amager Island studio in Denmark, they merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles, resulting in a structural and aesthetic language that permeates each of their works.
Among Frederik Gustav’s notable installations is the “High Wire” project, a striking exploration of urban infrastructure. Designed in 2023 and displayed in Copenhagen, High Wire merges form and function, with wires that both conduct electricity and allow for the adjustable positioning of lighting fixtures. This project draws direct inspiration from urban electrical systems, infusing industrial elements into a refined, artistic composition.
In 2024, Frederik Gustav’s “Shutter Lamp” debuted at the Maison&Objet exhibition in Paris. This lamp integrates rotating shutters to control light intensity, showcasing the duo’s playful engagement with function and flexibility. By transforming the lamp’s form to manage illumination, the Shutter Lamp exemplifies Frederik Gustav’s commitment to creating interactive and versatile design.
Another captivating project by Frederik Gustav is “Paperwork,” a design that brings together architecture, light, and art in a single, cohesive system. In Paperwork, a series of suspended threads, weighted by steel anchors, intertwine to support sheets of paper around a central light source. This delicate configuration allows for a soft diffusion of light, illuminating the paper without damaging it. Paperwork embodies Frederik Gustav’s commitment to tactile and visually compelling designs that adjust to spatial demands, reinforcing their ethos of adaptable, interactive creations.
Further showcasing Frederik Gustav’s ingenuity is the “Reflector” lighting fixture, which combines bent steel rods and aluminum shades to create a highly flexible installation. Reflector’s design allows it to expand from a single light source into a vast architectural feature, emphasizing adaptability and scalable design. This piece speaks to Frederik Gustav’s dedication to versatility, encouraging configurations that suit diverse spatial needs.
“Pylon” represents yet another standout series by Frederik Gustav, comprising modular floor lamps that vary from simple, low-profile designs to towering architectural installations. Pylon’s structure features hand-sanded polycarbonate sheets, which act as both the framework and diffuser for internal lighting diodes. A single bent steel bracket supports the lamp’s external structure and wiring, resulting in an aesthetic that is both raw and poetic, blending industrial elements with a rhythmic, repeating form that commands attention within an interior space.
Frederik Gustav’s portfolio showcases a dedication to sensory design, presenting objects that transcend traditional functionalism by celebrating the materials and processes that define them. Through these carefully crafted works, the duo invites users to experience design that resonates emotionally, encouraging reflection on the harmony between art, architecture, and functionality. Their works are a testament to the beauty of material exploration and the power of intentional craftsmanship, making Frederik Gustav a prominent name in contemporary design.
Photo credit: Laura Stamer, Peter William Vinther, Benjamin Lund; courtesy of Frederik Gustav, shared with permission
