Markus Johansson
Furniture and product designer, 1982
Sculptural Form and Function in Balance
Markus Johansson is a Swedish furniture and product designer with a particular interest in form, function and visual character. His work is characterized by a sculptural design language in which precise geometric shapes meet organic lines, drawing inspiration from architecture, nature and the objects of everyday life.
At LE KLINT, his distinctive approach to form meets a Danish design tradition rooted in craftsmanship, materiality and the experience of light – values that have been at the heart of the brand for generations. The collaboration began with Carronade in 2016 and has since continued with Carronade II and Long Pleat, each expressing a different aspect of Markus Johansson’s approach to form and function.
About Markus Johansson
Markus Johansson trained as a furniture and product designer at HDK – School of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg, graduating in 2011. From his studio in Gothenburg, he works across product design, furniture, lighting and interiors for both Scandinavian and international design companies.
His design practice is characterised by a sculptural language in which geometric forms meet organic movement. He explores the relationship between form and function, while considering how an object works within – and is experienced as part of – its surroundings.
Markus Johansson has received several international design awards, and his Nest Chair is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.
Design Philosophy
For Markus Johansson, design is closely connected to the way we experience and use the products that surround us. Construction, function and form should work together to create objects with a distinctive character and a value that extends beyond the moment.
Quote
“For me, design is about conveying a feeling that influences people’s lives and enhances everyday experiences by bringing construction, function and form together. My aim is to create products with new forms and lasting value.”
— Markus Johansson
His approach often begins with exploring how construction and function can help shape the visual expression of an object. Technical solutions are therefore not necessarily concealed; instead, they can become an integral part of the design and contribute to its character.
Markus draws inspiration from a wide range of environments – from human needs and behaviour to the objects and surroundings that shape our everyday lives. Through observation, analysis and refinement, he seeks solutions in which form and function are experienced as one.
The Collaboration
Carronade introduced a distinctive and playful design language to the LE KLINT collection. The series was later developed into Carronade II, launched in 2024, it continues the distinctive design language of the original while introducing a simpler and lighter construction.
With Long Pleat, the collaboration takes a different direction. Here, Markus Johansson’s sculptural approach meets LE KLINT’s tradition of hand-folded lampshades in a new, elongated interpretation.
Together, Carronade and Long Pleat reveal different aspects of the collaboration – from Carronade’s mechanical and articulated character to the rhythmic folds and more organic expression of Long Pleat.
Designed Series and Lighting
Model 189 Long Pleat
With Long Pleat, Markus Johansson reinterprets LE KLINT’s distinctive hand folded lampshade in a new, elongated form.
The design draws inspiration from textiles, origami and formations found in nature, bringing geometric precision together with soft, organic lines. The rhythmic pleats give the pendant a light and tranquil expression, making the construction of the lampshade an essential part of the design.
Long Pleat continues LE KLINT’s tradition of hand-folded lampshades through a contemporary and architectural design language, where the construction of the shade becomes an integral part of the lamp’s character.
Quote
“This new elongated pendant draws inspiration from origami, Nordic minimalism and formations found in nature. The pleats evoke the image of sand dunes shaped by the wind. Long Pleat creates a sense of calm and appears almost weightless as it floats within any interior.”
— Markus Johansson
Carronade II
Carronade II is a development of Markus Johansson’s original Carronade series. Launched in 2024, the collection carries forward the distinctive design language of the original while introducing a simpler and lighter construction.
Carronade II has been developed as a complete lighting collection comprising several types of lighting. The series includes a wall lamp, floor lamp and spot pendants in two sizes, as well as the Carronade II Large pendant, whose wider shade gives it a distinct expression compared with the spot pendants.
Carronade II is available in two material combinations: brass with smoked oak, and black with black oak. The black version is a new interpretation introduced with Carronade II.
Across the collection, the adjustable lampshade is a defining feature. It allows the direction of the light to be adjusted as needed while also contributing to Carronade II’s distinctive sculptural character.
Carronade – The Original Design
Carronade was Markus Johansson’s first design for LE KLINT and was launched in 2016. The starting point was the idea of a combined table and wall lamp inspired by a small cannon with a light source. The design was subsequently developed into a complete lighting series.
The characteristic adjustable shade made it possible to direct the light while simultaneously becoming a defining element of the lamp’s sculptural expression. Carronade thus combines a playful design language with a clear functional idea.
The original Carronade series has since been developed further into Carronade II.
