Ø30 cm - polished brass - Semi pendant - Gubi

The Semi suspension lamp, designed by Claus Bonderup and Torsten Thorup in 1968 and published by Gubi, is an icon of Scandinavian design that represents a break with the aesthetic conventions of its time. Created while the two designers were still students at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, this lamp was born of a competition they won with flying colors, taking first prize for its innovative design.

Design and aesthetics

The Semi is distinguished by its pure geometric form: it is composed of two quarter-circles joined back to back, forming an arched lampshade that evokes an inverted tulip. This silhouette, both simple and bold, was a direct response to the “cosy” era that dominated Denmark in the 1960s, marked by soft, organic designs. Bonderup and Thorup sought to impose clean, taut lines, favoring a modernist, functional aesthetic.

Made from enamelled aluminum, the suspension fixture is available in a range of finishes and sizes (Ø30 cm, Ø47 cm, Ø60 cm, and even an extra-large Ø90 cm version). Its glossy or lacquered surface reflects light and its surroundings, while its white interior amplifies light diffusion, projecting an even, sustained cone of light downwards. This design makes it ideal above a dining table, kitchen island or in a living room.

Background and impact

Launched in 1968, the Semi was a runaway success in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the world's best-selling Danish designs. Its formal lightness and timeless allure marked its era, earning it international recognition. The duo Bonderup & Thorup, who graduated in 1969, went on to collaborate on numerous projects, from architecture (such as the Arktikum museum in Finland) to product design, but the Semi remains their most emblematic creation.

Reissued by Gubi

Gubi, a Danish publisher renowned for its work in reissuing design classics, has taken over production of the Semi, making it accessible to contemporary enthusiasts while preserving its original essence. This proves that the exceptional design of the Semi suspension transcends time. This reissue highlights Gubi's vision: celebrating heritage designs while making them relevant to today's interiors.