Interview about Oplamp Table Lamp, winner of the A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award 2020
Oplamp is composed of a ceramic body and a solid wood base on which an led light source is placed. Thanks to its shape, obtained through the fusion of three cones, the Oplamp's body can be rotated to three alternative positions that creates different types of light: high table lamp and ambient light, low table lamp and ambient light, or two ambient lights. Each configuration of the lamp’s cones allows at least one of the beams of light to interact naturally with the surrounding architectural settings. Oplamp is designed and made entirely by hand in Italy.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe development of the Oplamp Table Lamp was driven by a desire to create a dynamic and interactive lighting experience. The goal was to challenge the traditional, static nature of most lighting fixtures by introducing mobility and flexibility. The concept of three rotatable cones emerged as a playful yet functional solution to allow active participation in the creation of the environment. By rotating the cones, it is possible to adjust the direction of the light, transforming the atmosphere of a space at any given moment. The journey was an exploration of how light can engage with people, creating a sense of connection between the object, its surroundings, and the space it inhabits. Ultimately, the lamp was designed to be a tool for personal expression and interaction, rather than just a passive element in a room.
The decision to use ceramic and solid wood was driven by our desire to create a product that combines handcrafted tradition with our vision of new shapes. Ceramic, with its tactile and organic qualities, invites the user to interact with the lamp in a more intimate way. The solid wood base, while providing a housing for the lighting fixture, offers a sense of grounding and stability, contrasting with the lighter, more fluid form of the ceramic. Both materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability and functionality. The handcrafted nature of the ceramic body ensures each lamp is unique, giving it character, while the wood base provides a housing for the lighting fixture. Together, these materials enhance the lamp's overall sense of balance and functionality.
The Oplamp Table Lamp was conceived with the modern, multifunctional home in mind. As living spaces become more dynamic, flexible lighting solutions that adapt to various activities and moods are essential. The three lighting scenarios offered by Oplamp allow the user to customize the lighting depending on the context, whether it’s for focused work, ambient relaxation, or creating a cozy atmosphere for socializing. This adaptability is crucial in today’s open-plan spaces where one lamp might need to serve multiple purposes, from a functional work light to a decorative accent. Oplamp enables the user to interact with the space, adjusting the lighting in a playful way, reflecting the evolving nature of how we live and use our environments.
The decision not to equip the lamp with a rotating mechanism led us to simplify the design as much as possible, focusing solely on the light beam and how it propagates. The patented aspect of the design pertains to the innovative way in which the light beam is diffused. The unique design allows the ceramic body to be freely positioned, enabling the user to create different lighting atmospheres with a single movement. This dynamic interaction with the light is at the heart of the lamp's functionality. The patent recognizes the technical approach we adopted to move away from conventional designs, offering a more adaptable and intuitive user experience.
Our education at the Polytechnic of Milan deeply shaped our approach to design, emphasizing the importance of both aesthetics and functionality. In creating the Oplamp Table Lamp, we aimed to strike a balance between form and function by designing a product that was visually appealing while also serving a clear purpose in the modern home. Our background in product design taught us to think critically about the user experience and the way products interact with their environment. The goal was to design a lamp that not only added beauty to a space but also offered practical and adaptable lighting solutions. We approached the project with a mindset that valued simplicity, clean lines, and the user’s active engagement with the object.
In creating the Oplamp Table Lamp, we were deeply inspired by the idea of light as a dynamic element within a space. Rather than simply providing illumination, we wanted the lamp to interact with its architectural surroundings, adapting to the environment and the user’s needs. This design choice was guided by the principle that lighting should not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the spatial experience. We aimed to allow the lamp to become an active part of the architecture, where its light is shaped and directed by the user, thereby fostering a deeper connection between the object, its surroundings, and the people who inhabit the space.
At Sapiens Design Studio, we believe that every object carries with it a unique "soul." The Oplamp Table Lamp embodies this philosophy, combining traditional craftsmanship techniques with a contemporary design approach. The handcrafted ceramic body reflects the care and skill of the artisan, giving each lamp a sense of individuality and warmth. The clean lines and minimalist structure, on the other hand, give the lamp a strong contemporary character, capable of engaging with new living environments. By combining these elements, we aim to create objects that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging. The soul of an object, in our view, is born from the story it tells and the connection it establishes with its user, creating a bond that goes beyond mere functionality.
The shape derives from a careful study of the angles of light propagation through the three cones and from the search for balance and stability of the object in all positions. Additionally, the chosen size and shape make Oplamp a sculptural object, capable of enriching the space with its presence, even when turned off. Its dimensions contribute to the lamp's versatility, making it adaptable to various contexts.
The success of the Oplamp Table Lamp has inspired us to reflect on how we can continue to evolve this concept in response to the ever-evolving needs of modern life. The interaction between the user and the lamp is central to our design philosophy, and we are exploring ways to make this interaction increasingly intuitive and engaging, not only within the field of lighting devices but extending to the entire living ecosystem.
Our advice to emerging designers is to never underestimate the emotional power that a well-designed object can have. When creating products, it’s crucial to think about how people will interact with the object, not just in terms of functionality but also in terms of the emotional connection it fosters. Design should feel human – it should evoke feelings, memories, and experiences that are personal to people. Balancing functionality with emotional connection often means putting the user at the center of the design process, thinking about how the object will fit into their life, not just in terms of use but also in terms of the experience it creates. At the same time, we always encourage designers to stay curious and experiment with new materials, technologies, and forms. Innovation and emotional engagement should go hand in hand.
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