If you’ve seen the 1953 French film “Le Ballon Rouge” then you know where the Balloon Bench was inspired from. Although it appears as if the bench is floating, the illusion is created by the balloons actually being anchored to the ceiling. The balloons even act as lamps. Want one? Check Gallery SOMEWHERE in Tokyo.
Designer: h220430
I remember camping trips where we would carry an extra jar, just to catch fireflies and make glow-in-the-dark lamps. The Bottle Lantern looks something like that. It’s a standard wide-mouth water bottle with four bright LEDs in the lid that are powered by placing your finger in the carrying hook and turning. Thirty seconds of spinning equates to about four minutes of light.
Designers: Alexandra Hart & Trey Williams
The Blossom Light by designer Ewa Sendecka features four modular LED components that can be bent and molded thanks to the flexible construction of the tubing that encases the power cable (the same used in gooseneck microphone holders). For further modification the components can be used in any order or number and plugged in for power on either the first or last module. Lay it down, stand it up, or hang it from the ceiling- a great modular lighting system that only requires a little imagination.
Designer: Ewa Sendecka
Unexpected experiences and surprises wait deep down on the ocean floor. Inspired by a creature more alien than anything science fiction can come up with. The CIRRATA is a thesis project consisting of a series of lamps for public indoor environments by Markus Johansson, graduate student from the School of Design and crafts College of Design at the University of Gothenburg.
Designer: Markus Johansson
When I hear “fiber-optic light” I always cringe & think of those shabby, hair-like, rainbow lamps. Yuck. The Boogie Chandelier #2 is what I wish my first impression would have been. It uses off-the-shelf products like florescent tubes & puck lights in combination with fiber-optic cables to transform single strands of light into a sculptural, eye-catching pendant. The vibrant strands create sophisticated curves & shapes that will stand out as the centerpiece of any room, day or night (without the cheese-factor).
Designer: Studio 1:1
I have used disposable paper cups for my daughter’s craft projects with some really funny outcomes, but this Brady-bunch of designers have given paper-craft a new lease of life. Cutting paper cups into half and then gluing them in a roof-tile pattern, they’ve created the enigmatic Rays lamp. I just hope they aren’t made from fresh cups, sterilized-used-cups is the better route to take. What do you say?
Designers: Chengyuan Wei, Guanyun Wang, Ye Tao, Jianxing Cai, Chao Chen & Xuanxing Yang
This pendant luminaire, designed by Ding 3000 for online design retailer SKITSCH, is the latest member of the mega-successful family of 2D LED lamps. Like the original table and floor lamps, the shape mocks traditional lamp forms. The structure is deceivingly bare and even looks unfunctional, but recessed into its framework are inconspicuous strips of bright LED lights. A clever design that’s sure to make a great conversation piece.
Designer: Ding 3000
Inspired by the movie War of the Worlds, the Invader lamp is the DIY thang that I’d like to get for my table. Just for the sake of fantasy, imagine walking down the DIY section in a store and my cart telling the Invader Lamp, “Get in, Lampy, or you’re gonna die!” Now that’s a cool story to tell!
Designer: David Zhang
The simple named Folding Lamp is an excellent exercise in minimalism dictated by pure utilitarianism. It’s a standard lamp when open, a nigh light when closed and acts as a cubby for your desk supplies. Doesn’t seem like it would cost much to manufacturer and the design is neutral enough for everyone. Great idea!
Designer: Oleksandr Shestakovych
These two lighting designs, Big by Lievore, Altherr and Molina and Link by Ramon Esteve, were featured at the 2011 Salone del Mobile in Milan by RED Association of Spanish Design Companies member Vibia. The Link light allows components of 4 varying shapes to be linked together to share an electrical charge. The result is a customizable modular lighting system that provides pleasant ambiance as well as geometric volume. Alternatively, the Big light is soft, round, and well… big!
Designers: Various
Our ancestors rubbed two twigs to make light (fire) but to kindle the Lightstarter you just need to work on one. The embedded accelerometer determines if your rubbing is good enough for 30 seconds or 10 minutes of torchlight. Essentially one second of kindling time is equal to 10 seconds of light! I’d definitely take it on my next camping trip.
Designer: Michael Kritzer for Simple Artifact
This lamp was made to be played with! Lamp E by Kako.Ko design studio is made of tough extruded aluminum and a single side of LED lights that line each of the three rectangular multi-directional branches to direct light to different places. The orientation of the LED strips means the lights will always be visible no matter what position the user places it in. Gotta love this clever interactive lighting sculpture.
Designer: Kako.Ko
I love the interactive way you can use the Secret Lamp. Just peel off the topcoat to reveal the radiance! Magnetic tacks at edge of the glow-face allow you to peel or stick back the upper layer, emitting enough light to suit your needs. It doubles up as a night light. It’s neat!
Designer: Jongwoo Choi
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