From curved aluminium to paper to steel-and-glass sculptures, no material or imagined form is off limits in lighting design, making way for the possibility of artistic character for a household object that is, at its core, functional. In this feature, we shine a light on sculptural suspension lights by brands represented locally that pack a real punch.
Ballet – Brand van Egmond
Renowned for his sculptural lighting designs, this evocative collection by architect William Brand draws inspiration from the quiet magnificence and agility of a ballerina. The lighting designer used casted steel and blown glass to create a dialogue of contrast in strength and fragility in this horizontal suspension lamp, which is also available in a vertical and cluster variety. Available from Light Design Solutions.
Pirce – Artemide
The elegant Pirce, by industrial designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà for Artemide commands a strong sense of presence whether it’s turned on or off, while an elegant spiral created by the slim disc creates an alluring lighting effect. Originally released using halogen lighting, this best-selling design has been reimagined to use LEDs as well. Available from ESS.
Dune – Moss
Inspired by undulating sand formations, designer Daniel Becker crafted the sculptural Dune luminaire for German studio Moss using curved aluminium plates. Captivated by the light and shadows cast by sand dunes, the aluminium pieces are arranged to reflect and shield light in the same way through lightweight objects floating in thin air.
Lod Pendant – Ferm Living
A reference to the Danish word for ‘weight’, the Lod Pendant by Copenhagen-based homeware brand Ferm Living boasts a graphic silhouette that’s simultaneously sophisticated and playful. Part of its appeal is its interactive design, where the lampshade’s height can be adjusted using the perpendicular rod or the counterweight placed along the textile cable. Available from Eclecticist.
Aimei – Arturo Alvarez
With wooden spokes formed into a curved spine, Aimei pendant lamp conjures images of other-worldly creatures. Spanish artist and designer Arturo Álvarez references primordial and cosmic typologies with Aimei, where a skeleton of ash wood protects a light at the centre, taking on a curious, mystical character. Available from Glow.
Perch Light Branch – Moooi
Almost 10 years after its initial design, Perch Light Branch, designed by architect Umut Yamac for furniture brand Moooi, is as poetic as ever – a testament to the timelessness of its concept. In each of this family of lamps, abstract birds crafted from paper sit on a branch, gently swinging and releasing a soft glow that alludes to the promise of spring. Available from Onepercent.
Main photo: Perch Light Branch / Moooi
