Philips Manhattan interior lighting

A smart design structure that enables all desired lighting solutions.

This interior lighting series was designed by Alfred van Elk for Philips in 1989 and introduced onto the market worldwide. The smart design structure enables all desired lighting solutions, such as floor, table and wall lamps and pendant versions. All fixtures are equipped with a removable cap, with which direct or indirect lighting can be obtained. This allows the lamps to be used as decorative ambient lighting or as accent and task lighting.

The light source is suspended behind a disc diffuser with a hole. The diameter of the hole is equal to the diameter of the light beam at the given distance. The scattered light is captured by the matted part of the disc. The light source and disc can be tilted up or down to direct the light.

The lighting fixtures could be realized with minimal use of materials and could be produced with only one set of moulds and therefore brought to the market with low investments. The products are still offered in vintage stores and are also available in infrared versions with remote control. The Manhattan design range has received the Norwegian Design Award.