Designer profile Joakim Fihn

2023-07-05

As a student at HDK in Gothenburg, Joakim Fihn had his sights set on one workplace after graduation - Belid Lighting Group. After a visit to Belid's factory, Joakim was both inspired and impressed by the opportunities of having manufacturing, offices, design teams and project managers all under one roof. Shortly after completing his thesis, Belid became Joakim's workplace, and he has been there for 15 years. Today, Joakim works as an in-house designer, responsible for the development of Belid's product range.

Of all the Belid lamps you have created over the years, which product are you most proud of?

  • I would have to say Diablo. It has become somewhat of a Belid classic and has also been developed in several new colors. However, the original color scheme is still the most popular. I really like Diablo's contrasting shape. There is a beautiful play of light between the shades, and the lamp looks just as good when it's on as when it's off.

What do you think makes a product a classic?

  • If we knew that, it would be easy! But I would say a good balance between timelessness and innovation, with a touch of boldness. And of course, excellent quality is essential. It's a prerequisite for a product to be able to live on for generations and perhaps be sold at an auction 50 years from now.

What is the creative process like when you design a new product?

  • I draw inspiration from everywhere. It could be a detail in everyday life or an exciting shape from nature. Then I sketch a first design, some I move forward with, but many remain just a sketch on paper. I know the factory inside and out, so I know what is possible and which ideas can be taken all the way to a finished lamp. The sketches that I decide to move forward with are digitally drawn in 3D, which gives everyone involved a good sense of what the final lamp will look like.

What is your best lighting tip?

  • Don't just use one light source in a room. Use several different fixtures placed at different heights to create dynamics in the room. A room should not be evenly lit; look at nature - we encounter light in many different ways. So, think spatially when lighting a room.