Silver Lighting Products and Fixtures Design · 2022
Cubes Lighting
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Lighting Products and Fixtures Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: MOKKI Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 40,129
- Verification code A570C7D024 · Verify this award
About Cubes Lighting
Cubes table lamp has a very clear aesthetic inspired by the architecture of the early 20th century, the Bauhaus and German modernism. Expresses a concept combining light with graphic design, a sculpture of geometric shapes. The lamp consists of three geometric forms stacked in a balanced composition and distinguished by the material, wood. The asymmetric positioning of the forms creates a different profile on each side, a constant rediscovery of the piece. The light fixture is a led circuit with a diffuser, softly distributing the light downwards on two of the volumes.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Cubes table lamp expresses a concept combining light with graphic design. The lamp consists of three geometric forms stacked in a balanced composition and distinguished by the material, wood, enhancing its warm personality. The asymmetric positioning of the forms creates a different profile on each side, a constant rediscovery of the piece. The light fixture is a led circuit with a diffuser, softly distributing the light downwards on two of the volumes, highlighting the concept of the lamp.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This table lamp is made out of three volumes produced in solid wood having the options of oak, walnut and a veneer option in palisander, with a natural finishing varnish to highlight and accentuate the characteristics of the wood. Dimensions: height 330mm, width 250mm x 270mm. The included light feature is led and operates on two of the volumes in a downwards orientation softened with opaline diffuser. 2700 kelvin, 2x 650 lumens, 230 V,50Hz, 8W, CRI more than 80, beam 120 degrees, clear electric cable with 2mt length.
- Tags
- Cubes, table lamp, wood, oak, architectural, design lamps, lighting, portuguese designer, lighting design, solid wood, made in Portugal
- Production Technology
- In the first phase of development, I worked with drawings and sketches to develop the concept of the piece, then started to work on the volumetry with several physical models made in cardboard to work better the volumes, dimensions and light effects. At last the 3d production drawings, selection of woods and materials and research for the Led light features. The piece is produced working with CNC, laser engraving for the logo, final assembly with highly skilled handwork and varnish finishings.
- Design Challenge
- One of my challenges in this piece was to stay true to my inspiration and create a lighting piece that could bring together the various aesthetic characteristics of its starting point without interfering with its functionality. Challenging also, was the special care that was given to the proportions in order to always maintain an elegant and beautiful balance in the piece and to work with the living material, wood, in a way to achieve perfection in its finishings.
- Project Duration
- The first idea for this design came in the year 2015 and since then was being developed and studied until the final piece was completed in 2018 and exhibited in the same year for the first time at an interiors event called Sleepin in Porto, Portugal. Since 2021 the lamp is on display at Codigo design gallery, Porto.
- Operation Flow
- The Cubes table lamp creates a dynamic connection with the user, forcing the viewer's eye not to remain static, but to a discovery of distances, volumes and shapes due to the asymmetric positioning of all the volumes of the piece. A sculpture of geometric shapes with light, a simplicity with the balance of its forms. The piece can be used in any room, creates a subtle lighting, intimate and elegant at the same time, taking the space around it with its aesthetic character and the warmth of wood.
- Research
- In order to follow with my first idea and inspiration of this piece, my research was very much based on the different artistic and architectural movements, their characteristics, their differentiations, philosophies and methodologies, and their social implications. In particular the Bauhaus style, Russian Brutalism and German minimalism, the union of arts and design and the use of different materials. The removal of excesses, simple geometric shapes, without elaborated decorations.
- Inspiration
- A very clear aesthetic was formed in my mind inspired by the architecture of the early 20th century, the Bauhaus and German modernism. Architecture, which is one of my passions and sources of inspiration, especially from this era, was the engine of creation for this table lamp. The work of volumes with defined geometric shapes and their special way of working with the "truth to materials" principle, were the main characteristics that inspired me in the creation and development of this design.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Tiago Costa, 2021.
Image #2: Photographer Tiago Costa, 2021.
Image #3: Photographer Tiago Costa, 2021.
Image #4: Photographer Tiago Costa, 2021.
Image #5: Photographer Tiago Costa, 2021.
Video: Art direction and Editing: Mónica Pinto, 2021
Colors of Cubes Lighting
Get Cubes Lighting
Bespoke Lighting and Furniture Design
We transform emotions and memories into exceptional lighting and furniture pieces. Our award-winning studio in Portugal combines artistic vision with architectural sensibility, creating timeless designs that tell your unique story through sustainably crafted wood and innovative forms.
G0E22 ShopDesign Interview about Cubes Lighting
The main idea behind this design and its inspiration is the interplay of lights and volumes. The inspiration came directly from architecture, especially from schools like the Bauhaus or brutalist and minimalist styles.
My main focus in this table lamp was to be able to translate my inspiration to the piece and achieve a balanced unity, an interesting shape, a different view in its different angles and an interaction between shapes and light.To show a piece of lighting in a non-obvious form.
My future plans for this piece are first to make it known to more people and then to continue to develop it, and who knows, maybe to start developing this design in other sizes to become a wood sculpture with light.
This concept took around two to three years to be finalized; there were many experiments with the size of the shapes and their balance until the desired result was achieved. Then it also took a lot of time to choose the definitive woods and finishes before starting production.
This design was the result, as it has almost always been until now, of following through with the expression of my inspirations and restlessness. At all times I am influenced by my environment, I am very sensitive to all that surrounds me, and my mind never stops! I really need to express myself through design, just like other artists who may need to sing or paint, it's something you can't control.
I intend to produce the piece myself for my brand, Mokki
I designed this piece out of the need to express myself, to show new points of view and interpretation in a piece.
In this particular case with the Cubes table lamp, what influenced me most were the great masters of architecture and philosophies such as those of the Bauhaus school.
I think the people who are most attracted to this design will always be sensitive people, people with a desire for different things, with new approaches to the field of interior lighting.
I think that perhaps what makes this design stand out from other similar concepts is the use of wood in a very minimalistic and clean way and the balance between the various volumes as well as the light that is not noticeable at first glance and is only seen when the piece is turned on.
The name of this design, Cubes, comes from its shape itself, and the way I played with geometric shapes during its development
The tools I used most during the development of this piece were hand drawings, 3d software programs, and a lot of work with models until I got the final sizes and shapes right.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this lamp is its very different shape, its homage to wood, and the light in the form of a surprise.
In the development of the piece and its subsequent production I worked with people very specialized in woodworking as well as in the area of luminotechnology.
The role of technology in this piece will be in the importance of the use of LED technology that allows us new ways of working with light, allows us to work in tighter spaces, and gives us a diversity of solutions that we can create.
In the design and development of this piece I did a lot of research in the field of architecture. Architecture is something I have always been passionate about but now with this piece I really needed to deepen my knowledge to understand the concepts behind each architectural art movement and understand how I could translate certain concepts into a piece. I have particularly studied the architecture of the Bauhaus school, Brutalist architecture, and minimalist architecture. I am very attracted to these styles by the purity of their lines and the different approach in the use of materials.
The biggest challenges I had with this piece were always around the final balance I wanted to achieve with the use of several volumes together.
As in previous years I have participated in design competitions, and having received awards, I could see the benefits that these awards have for designers, for their recognition, for opening new markets and our consolidation as professionals. The competitions also help us grow tremendously as professionals and artists because of the demanding application process and being able to get feedback from a jury in the field is always a great help and a process also of great humbleness in accepting constructive criticism.
I learned that we must always follow our instincts, that we must strive to do our best, and that we must always continue to study and understand deeply why things are the way they are.
Just thank those people who have helped me and always believed in me and a sincere thank you to all the people who contribute to the Design field and congratulations to other winner designers!