Cylindrical Lamp – Inspiration from Alternative Aesthetics

I plan to create a cylindrical lamp for my project. I am drawing from a few aesthetics, namely space age design and functional minimalism. I am also incorporating elements from biophilic design as well as mid century modern.

I still haven’t decided between using a sunset LED lamp and a lens or using LED filament as my light source. To keep my options open, I have been developing ideas for both in parallel and have been mainly focusing on shared elements between the designs. 

Originally, I wanted to construct the base out of wood to make the lamp more organic. This would add a natural element to the otherwise inorganic composition of the lamp. After some thinking, I have decided to abandon this idea. Adding this would detract from the overall simplicity of the design. Constructing the base out of PLA will conform to the materiality established by the dynamic lampshade, and will allow me to incorporate the central core structure into the base as one piece. The main bearing will be attached to the base, and the central core will pass through the inside diameter of the bearing.

There are many aesthetics that directly oppose the aesthetic chosen for my lamp. Some that immediately come to mind are the Brutalist and Industrial aesthetic. Aside from the electronics and fastening hardware, my lamp does not use metal. 

If I decide to go with the LED filament solution, it could be interesting to use metal rods to support the interior structure. The polished look of the metal could be visually appealing against the plastic background of the base and shade. These support rods would run parallel with the led filament, mirroring existing elements of the lamp.

Below are some ideas on what this could look like, with both the LED sunset lamp solution and the LED string filament solution.

I have also considered the idea of using a color palette inspired by brutalist design. Using a warm concrete adjacent shade of grey could add variation without losing the previously defined aesthetic character. This color could also go well with the metallic structure and I will definitely keep it as an option.

If I had more time, I would consider making a mold for the base and making it out of concrete. I would use metal rods to support the interior structure, inserted directly into the concrete resembling rebar. I would then use a natural, woven surface for the lamp shade adding some warmth. Using concrete would also add weight to the base of the lamp and would make its dynamic operation more stable, especially when manipulated from the top. It would be fun to construct this lamp in addition to my original lamp as an “evil twin”. 

Image Sources

INDUSTRIAL

https://artfasad.com/18-interior-decorating-colour-schemes-to-elevate-your-industrial-chic-space/#google_vignette

BRUTAL

https://www.creativebloq.com/features/10-iconic-examples-of-brutalist-architecture