632016_On How to design a Light

Points need to be considered when designing a Light according to Museum, D. (2010). How to Design a Light. London: Conran Octopus Ltd.

  1. Function and Practicality
    How power is delivered, how the heat of the light source is dissipated, how light levels are controlled by the mechanics of switching and dimming,  how the light is suspended or articulated. Also, whether the light is intended for public or outdoor use or indoor, and will it be used in close proximity to water.My take: will my material of choice able to reduce the heat, so when the user touch it when tilting the semi-sphere, it is not hot.
  2. Diffusion
    You should not see the light source, but merely the effect diffused through a shade or reflected from the planes of walls, floors and ceilings. This is to avoid glare. Glare happens when there is too great a contrast between a light source and its surroundings.
    Diffusion is given an added dimension when it is the means of creating pattern.My take: I will be using LED strips and LED light bulb. Although the bulbs are warm light, and there will be dimmer control, is it enough to reduce the glare?
  3. Direction
    Directional light generally implies some form of articulation, so that the light can be angled or targeted at a horizontal or vertical surface.
    e.g. of directional light and the mechanism : Tizio task light (1972) by Richard Sapper; Tolomeo (1987) by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina.

    small protruding handle on the rim to re position the light without burning your fingers. Tolomeo (1987); taken from: arrowelectricals.co.uk

     

  4. Spatial description
    Light describes the space and determines to a large extent whether we find a particular environment welcoming or threatening, enclosing or lofty, intriguing or banal. Lighting is also used to accentuate form or to bring out textural contrast and material character, through shadow.
  5. Emotion
  6. Colour
    When colour is paired with light various emotional associations naturally come into play, or we can be affected subliminally by the tone of different light source and by the way they render colour.

332016_on In Praise of Shdows

The book talks about the quality of shadow mostly in cultural context, Japanese and Western. Tanizaki touched on points regarding the beauty of shadow or patina in metal wares. For example, Westerner polishes silver, steel, and nickel tableware to a fine brilliance; whereas for Japanese prefers not to polish them. Japanese enjoys the metal ware when “the luster has worn off and begun to to take on a dark, smoky patina”.

The patina brings out the attractiveness and elegance of age, a “sheen of antiquity”. These sheen of antiquity reminds the past that made them and it creates the surrounding atmosphere peaceful and repose.

I agree with Tanizaki on his point regarding the patina brings out the attractiveness and elegance of the product. Choosing copper as one material can enhance the value of the product itself along the years.

 

From: Tanizaki, J. (2001). In Praise of Shadows. London: Vintage Books.

2622016_presentation

presentation 5

Comments on the presentation:

  •  is the shades hot? because it is manually tilted.
  • the neck is too thin.
  • should do vacuum form mock up of the semi-sphere to see if the light quality and the hotness.
  • the form of the semi-sphere and the body should be more cohesive.
  • read ‘in praise of shadows’ to see the aesthetic value in material aging and its interaction with human touch.
    I am choosing copper for the metal components. Copper will form patina along years.

1722016_update, research

Flos Taccia Lamp by Achille Castiglioni, 1958

The ideas of tilting and concave cover came from Taccia table lamp.

Assem2 Assem2front Assem2part

Assem2detail

some components are assembled using screws, while others by threading / turning.

 

https://www.iguysconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/iPhone-5s-Home-Button-Touch-ID.jpg

on-off button shape is inspired by iphone button.

 

buttons display sample
buttons display sample

 

1022016_update

I went to buy some components which are crucial for the projects.

  1. Computer fan

    It goes with blue LED light. I wonder if I can use it as the ‘uv light’.

    The fan dimension is 120mm, but the sides extend to 150mm.
    So I am planning to remove the rubber sides, and think on way to secure it to the inner body.

  2. LED strips : yellow
    Adapter
  3. Light bulb
    Light bulb holder
  4. On/Off switch