Ra pendant light designed by Piet Hein for Lyfa

Philosopher, poet, mathematician and designer Piet Hein is perhaps best known today for his invention of the superelipse, an oval shape originally conceived to solve Copenhagen's traffic congestion but later applied to a range of design problems including the famous superelipse table which maximises the number of people who can be seated at it. Piet Hein's interest in form and function is also evident in the Ra ceiling light which first went into production in 1939, the design of which ensures a soft diffused light without glare. In 1969 Lyfa updated the Ra's colourways to include bright red, yellow and orange versions, including this orange example with a diameter of 30 cm and a height of 21 cm.