Silver Lighting Products and Fixtures Design · 2023
U Table Lamp
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Lighting Products and Fixtures Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Mokki Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 47,534
- Verification code 46F1F8ED1C · Verify this award
About U Table Lamp
The U table lamp blends art and design with its clean aesthetic in the shape of an inverse u made of frost and opalescent acrylic. It draws inspiration from the passions of the designer, her academic background and from artists who mastered color and light. Emphasizing its expressive element, color, it compels people to see colors in new ways combining emotions with forms and blending art and design. The lamp works with an e27 chrome lamp socket covered by the opalescent acrylic that works as a diffuser and creates a graphic effect.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The U table lamp combines emotions with forms, placing emphasis on its expressive element, the color, creating a perfect blend of art and design. The lamp is formed by simple rectangular lines in the shape of an inverse u in frost colored acrylic for the larger body and opalescent acrylic for the smaller element, the light works inside with a chrome e27 socket lamp, a set that evokes graphic effects where translucent and diffusing light sets moods and adds depth to the visual environment.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This lamp is made of two curved acrylics combined. The body is in frost colored acrylic, flamingo, yellow, and tangerine and more color studies are being made. The smaller acrylic is made in opal white and has the function of diffusing the light from the lamp in a harmonious way without causing glare. The lamp has an E27 light bulb socket embellished with a chrome cover socket. Dimensions Width 230mm X Depth 150mm X Height 350mm, 230 V,50Hz, textile electric cable with 2000 mm length.
- Tags
- U, table lamp, acrylic, color, architectural, design lamps, lighting, portuguese designer, lighting design, colorful, lightfixture
- Production Technology
- I started the design process with drawings, sketches and watercolors to develop the concept of the piece, then I developed a model to understand how light was going to be settled. Next was the study of color along with the chosen material, the acrylic, to perceive the effect of light through the different translucent acrylic sheets. Finally, I worked with 3d drawing programs to define the production scheme. In its production is used molded acrylic and laser engraving for the logo.
- Design Challenge
- My challenge in this piece was to translate my inspiration into a reinterpretation of simple lines, to stay true to my inspiration and create a lighting piece that compels people to observe colors in different ways. This challenge obliged me to explore the ways in which colors can be used and can create different effects, moods and relationships in spaces. Allied to this I also wanted to keep a simple and original aesthetic achieving the balance of the rectangular shapes of this design.
- Project Duration
- This design was conceived in 2019, developed with various observations of acrylics and different colors. I wanted to study the effect created by light and color until I achieved the balance and aesthetic I wanted for this piece. I worked with the support of local manufacturers as well as several studies at Mokki studio. Since 2021 this lamp has been on display at Codigo design gallery, Porto and has been exhibited several times at international and national fairs along with design associations.
- Operation Flow
- The U table lamp and its clean aesthetic creates a unique atmosphere, changes our perceptions of the environment due to the change of shades that caused by its own light. The color and the usualness of its original shapes creates relationships between the environment and the human beings. The piece can be used in any interior space, giving character, bringing focus of color and appeal to the interiors.
- Research
- My research was based on my inspiration for this piece, where I had to study some artists that mastered color such as Matisse, Josef Albers and Johannes Itten. Wishing to join color and light on their more emotional side, I researched the art of stained glass windows of the Middle Ages as well as the contemporary approach of this technique that can be admired in Gaudi-designed church, the Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain.
- Inspiration
- The U table lamp was born from the idea of shaping color using my passions and academic background. My work with color was inspired by artists such as Matisse, Josef Albers and the color studies of Johannes Itten. I also found inspiration in the visual emotional effects created by ancient European stained-glass windows. With this design, I wanted to reinterpret my inspiration sources setting art and design in a broader perspective.
- 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 credits: Art direction and Editing: Monica Pinto, 2023
Colors of U Table Lamp
Get U Table Lamp
Design Interview about U Table Lamp
As a designer, my main principle and inspiration behind the U table lamp was to blend art and design, with a focus on color and its emotional impact. I drew inspiration from artists such as Matisse and Josef Albers, as well as the visual effects of stained-glass windows. My goal was to create a lighting piece that compels people to see colors in new ways, using colors to interact with the human perception and to interact with the physicality of the spaces.
My main focus in designing the U table lamp was to create a lighting piece that blends art and design, with a focus on color and its emotional impact. I wanted to achieve a balance between the lamp's expressive element, color, and its simple, original aesthetic, achieved through the use of rectangular shapes. Additionally, I aimed to explore the ways in which colors can be used to create different effects, moods, and relationships in spaces. Ultimately, I wanted to create a lamp that compels people to observe colors in different ways, adding character and appeal to any interior space. The lamp's clean aesthetic creates a unique atmosphere, changing perceptions of the environment through the change of shades caused by its own light.
I would like to continue researching and developing the design to explore new color palettes, materials, and shapes that can be incorporated into future versions of the lamp. This could include experimenting with different sizes, finishes, and textures to create a more diverse and customizable range of lamps for different interior spaces and preferences.
This particular design took me about a year to develop, which included several experiments with different types of acrylics, different colors, and a deep study of the light I wanted to create in conjunction with the reflections of the colors of the acrylic.
I design this particular concept very much due to my academic studies in mural painting, trompe l'oeil and "grisaille" where perspective and light are of enormous importance, and also due to my passion for color. I decided then, to pursuit this inspiration and to reflect and study in more detail the effect of color and light combined, using as inspiration the great masters of color such as Matisse, Josef Albers, the color studies of Johannes Itten and the ancient and modern works of stained glass.
This design is currently being produced by me and is part of the collection of my brand Mokki Design
What made me design this type of piece, in particular, is the continuous search to create objects that connect with people, ways to see the world with a scrutinizing eye, ways also to express my preferences and desires, and that is what makes us unique, our language.
What really influenced me in the design of this piece were great artists in the use of color and light, Matisse, Gaudí, Josef Albers, Johannes Itten and my own environment, which is always full of color.
The target customer for this design is likely to be someone who appreciates the combination of art and design and is interested in unique and expressive lighting pieces for their interior spaces. The design's clean aesthetic and emphasis on color may appeal to those who seek to create a particular mood or ambiance in their living or working spaces. It could be particularly attractive to those who appreciate modern and contemporary design styles.
Several factors set the U table lamp design apart from other similar or resembling concepts.
Firstly, the design emphasizes the expressive element of color, creating a unique blend of art and design. The lamp is formed by simple rectangular lines in the shape of an inverse u, which gives it a clean aesthetic.
Secondly, the use of frost colored acrylic for the larger body and opalescent acrylic for the smaller element creates a graphic effect when the light is on, diffusing light in a harmonious way and adding depth to the visual environment.
Thirdly, the design was inspired by the designer's academic background and passions, as well as artists who mastered color and light, resulting in a unique interpretation of these influences and finally this approach ensured that the balance of color, light, and shapes was just right and created a piece that is both beautiful and functional.
Firstly, the design emphasizes the expressive element of color, creating a unique blend of art and design. The lamp is formed by simple rectangular lines in the shape of an inverse u, which gives it a clean aesthetic.
Secondly, the use of frost colored acrylic for the larger body and opalescent acrylic for the smaller element creates a graphic effect when the light is on, diffusing light in a harmonious way and adding depth to the visual environment.
Thirdly, the design was inspired by the designer's academic background and passions, as well as artists who mastered color and light, resulting in a unique interpretation of these influences and finally this approach ensured that the balance of color, light, and shapes was just right and created a piece that is both beautiful and functional.
The name of this drawing is very simple, because of its shapes it reminds me of the letter U, inverted, and at the same time it plays with the YOU sound.
Working on this project I used computer aided design (CAD) software, watercolors on sketches, prototyping tools, graphic design software and in its production, molded acrylic is used and laser engraving for the logo.
Above all I think it is a design that transmits joy due to the colors of the material and its effect on the spaces
For this design I worked together with the specialized team in the acrylic factory, to understand the possibilities that we had in terms of material and its behavior.
The role of technology in this design is mainly in helping to visualize the part after the first artistic sketches and drawings have been defined and to create a design scheme that can be easily produced in the factory.
My design was not influenced by data or analytical research, but rather in the form of inspiration, it came from my passions, academic background, and the work of artists who mastered color and light. The research conducted for this design was focused on studying the effect of light and color through different translucent acrylic sheets and exploring the ways in which colors can be used to create different effects, moods, and relationships in spaces. I’ve also researched the art of stained-glass windows of the Middle Ages and the contemporary approach to this technique, which can be seen in Gaudi-designed church, the Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain.
During the design of this piece there were no great technical challenges, but rather, challenges to achieve the final goal which was to create a design that was functional, aesthetically pleasing and accessible to the intended audience, always in touch with the initial inspiration and always striving to unite art and design.
As a designer, submitting my design to an international design competition can be a fantastic opportunity. It allows me to gain exposure, recognition, and feedback from industry experts and peers. Additionally, it can be a great way to showcase my skills and creativity to a wider audience.
Participating in an international design competition can provide me with valuable insights into the latest design trends and techniques, as well as allow me to network with other professionals in my field. The feedback I receive from the judges and my fellow designers can also be incredibly helpful in improving my work and honing my skills.
Overall, submitting a design to an international design competition can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any designer looking to grow their career and showcase their talents to the world.
Participating in an international design competition can provide me with valuable insights into the latest design trends and techniques, as well as allow me to network with other professionals in my field. The feedback I receive from the judges and my fellow designers can also be incredibly helpful in improving my work and honing my skills.
Overall, submitting a design to an international design competition can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any designer looking to grow their career and showcase their talents to the world.
Although I already had a strong academic background in color theory, designing the lighting colored piece in acrylic allowed me to apply and expand my knowledge in a practical and creative way. I was able to experiment with different color combinations and techniques to create a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing work of art. Through this project, I further developed my skills as a designer and artist, particularly in the area of acrylic manipulation techniques. Overall, it was a challenging and rewarding experience that helped me to grow both as an artist and as a person, and I am proud of the final result. and that allowed me to closely perceive the effect of color on people.
Thank you for asking, but I don't have anything additional to cover at the moment. However, if you have any further questions or topics you'd like to discuss, please feel free to ask and I'd be happy to assist you.