Continuing on with the theme of provenance in design we have Chimney by Benjamin Hubert for Viaduct. This stunningly simple collection of pendant lamps are “hand-thrown and kiln-fired, made of clay from the region in Wales where they are produced.” The honesty of the material and the use of such a time honored process differentiates this collection from its poor, injection moulded cousins.
This great adjustable reading lamp is by Israeli group DAG Design Lab. The juxtaposition of natural and unashamedly artificial materials would create a striking graphic presence on anyone’s bedroom wall. In addition, the use of a simple clamping mechanism to secure the lamp at different angles further enhances the appeal.
It’s hard not to enjoy the playfulness of Studio Big Game’s work. Their collection of furniture and objects skillfully manipulate scale and colour to achieve a visually dynamic language which challenges the rigidness of other established design houses. In particular, the Metal Work lamp would sit gracefully among any table setting.
The beautiful Kisawings lamp by Kisa Kawakami for Yamagiwa floats effortlessly above with a simple palette of materials reminiscent of Japanese Shoji screens. The form seems to extend itself on all sides, delicately spilling light from within. Much like a transformer, it seems the light has the ability to fold in upon itself, becoming something much more reserved.
Any product that seems to defy the laws of gravity is sure to raise some eyebrows. In the case of Eileen by Misewell this defiance proves to just be a trick of the eye. This delicately proportioned floor lamp is at home when lent up against a wall or corner and its clean lines echo the type of work this Milwaukee based studio is becoming renowned for.
The Self Reflecting Lamp by Oliver Schick is a beautiful re-reading of the classic table lamp. The two shades seemingly come together in a romantic embrace, shining the light back on themselves rather than the space. When did we come to lose this romanticism in design? Thank you Oliver for making the seemingly ordinary beautiful again.
Just as a little aside, often the pieces I post on max&min aren’t always the most current releases but resonate with me nonetheless. There’s no reason why something beautiful should disappear from the media after just one day so hopefully you’ll enjoy me shining some light on these soon forgotten objects.
Studio Mini by Anna Hadwick is a cute little desk lamp that questions “the restriction we as designers place upon a products usage, by utilising a use me how you will approach. Encouraging intuitive interaction the head can be detached with a simple twist and pull movement. Inspired by the action of changing a light bulb the lamp communicates its functionality directly to its user.” The proportions of the lamp seem to sit well in relation to each other and the simple palette of materials is cleverly offset by the bright red flex.
Benjamin Hubert’s latest range Labware just won the Best New Product award at 100% Design in London. Inspired by traditional glassware you may find in a laboratory, the collection comprises a series of beaker like forms transformed into pendant lighting. The detailing of these pieces is beautiful. Not only are they hand blown but the tops are also made from portugese cork adding a more natural feel to the range.
Plugged by Broberg & Ridderstråle for Danish manufacturer Muuto makes light of an element that is often overshadowed in lighting design. Here the cord plays an integral role in an otherwise simple piece. The cleverly asymmetrical positioning also brings the shade to life and injects a sense of playfulness into the pendant.
Lampada is the latest offer from French designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. The rudimentary form of the lamp is appealing due to its simplistic, almost innocent composition of parts. The use of ceramic also lends a sense of quality and craft to an otherwise basic design.
