In the theater of light, few shapes possess the instinctive appeal of the natural world, a fact that Danish brand Frandsen has masterfully embraced with its latest release. Introduced on the Dezeen Showroom in December 2025, the “Nova” pendant lamp is a profound exploration of “mathematical beauty,” designed by visionary designer Esben Bala Skouboe. Drawing directly from the principles of the Golden Ratio—the same Phi formula observed in the spiraling architecture of galaxies, seashells, and flowers—Nova is a sculptural statement that blurs the line between art and engineering. Crafted from recycled opal PMMA, the lamp’s eight interlocking, spiraling cones create a soft, harmonic aura that appears to evolve as the viewer moves around it. As Frandsen enters 2026, Nova stands as a radiant reminder that the most advanced design logic is often found in the ancient rhythms of nature.
The Phi Formula: Design Guided by Nature
At the heart of Nova’s design is a commitment to the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio ($\phi \approx 1.618$). Designer Esben Bala Skouboe, who holds a Ph.D. in Responsive Lighting, utilized these complex mathematical formulas to affect the viewer’s perception of form and balance. By building the lamp around eight spiraling cones, Skouboe created a silhouette that feels inherently “right” to the human eye, mimicking the organic growth patterns of the natural world. This mathematical foundation ensures that the lamp remains a strong poetic statement even when switched off, existing as a white, crystalline sculpture in the center of the room.
The interaction between light and shadow is central to the Nova experience. Skouboe describes the design as a “play with light and shadow to a degree I have not experienced before.” The way the light radiates from the centrally positioned source through the opal layers creates evolving gradients of light, giving the lamp a sense of motion. It is a “new star” in the decorative lighting world, offering a soft, diffused glow that eliminates harsh glares while providing enough functional illumination for dining or living areas.
Sustainable Star: The Recycled PMMA Choice
In an era where material provenance is as important as aesthetics, the Nova lamp sets a high bar for circular production. The lamp is manufactured at Frandsen’s own workshops in Horsens, Denmark, using recycled opal PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) sourced from the brand’s own production waste. This “closed-loop” approach ensures that the high-quality plastic, known for its excellent light-diffusing properties and durability, is given a second life rather than contributing to industrial waste.
The use of PMMA also contributes to the lamp’s light, ethereal appearance. Despite its large 52cm diameter, the pendant maintains a sense of weightlessness, allowing it to hang comfortably in both commercial and residential settings. The choice of opal white as the primary finish ensures that the lamp remains timeless, capable of integrating into a variety of color palettes from Scandinavian minimalism to eclectic maximalism.
Monochromatic Mastery: The 3 Days of Design Legacy
The concept for Nova was first teased during the “Reflections of Light” exhibition at Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design, held at the historic Lindencrone Palais. The exhibition utilized a monochromatic black-and-white color palette to emphasize the fundamental elements of illumination: light, shadow, reflection, and form. Nova was displayed using mirrors to create an infinity-style viewing experience, highlighting the geometric complexity of its cones.
This exhibition solidified Frandsen’s 2025–2026 direction, which moves away from the trend-driven colors of the past toward a more permanent, architectural focus. By placing Nova alongside the brand’s heritage pieces, such as the iconic Ball pendant by founder Benny Frandsen, the brand signaled that the “Golden Ratio” lamp is intended to be a future classic. It is a design that respects the brand’s history of innovation while pushing into the territory of high-concept, responsive lighting.
Architectural Integration: Lighting the Modern Home
As a large-scale pendant, Nova is strategically designed for spaces that require a centerpiece. Frandsen recommends it for use over large dining tables, in high-ceilinged foyers, or as a focal point in workspaces. Because the light emission is both upward and downward through the translucent cones, it provides a “total wash” of ambient light that fills the room without creating the “cave effect” often seen with opaque shades.
The lamp’s versatility is further enhanced by its dimming capabilities. When used with an external dimmer and a compatible LED bulb, Nova can transition from a bright, task-oriented star to a low, smoldering amber-like glow. This flexibility allows homeowners to adjust the “harmonic aura” of their space throughout the day, matching the light’s intensity to their natural circadian rhythms. For 2026, this focus on emotional lighting—where the lamp influences the mood as much as the visibility—is a hallmark of Frandsen’s collection.
A Visionary Collaboration
The partnership between Frandsen and Esben Bala Skouboe represents a fusion of “art and science.” Skouboe’s background in civil engineering and digital design allows him to tackle non-standard architectural forms that traditional lighting designers might avoid. By using sophisticated molds and advanced manufacturing techniques, Frandsen has managed to bring Skouboe’s “complex mathematical formulas” to the mass market without losing the soul of the original concept.
As the Nova lamp reaches customers globally in 2026, it serves as a testament to the power of Danish design. It is a product that honors the beauty of the universe while remaining grounded in the practicalities of modern life. In the vast sky of contemporary lighting, Nova truly is a new star—a beacon of sustainable, mathematical, and poetic light that invites us to stop, look up, and appreciate the golden symmetry of the world around us.
