Nhi Ton · CLIENT: Nhi Ton
This reconfigurable lamp is an applied design result of Nhi Ton's research and studies on the mountain and valley origami folds which suggest motion, structure, and flexibility. With the structure, it allows users to interact and transform the shape to fit into their environment and desire. The lampshade furthermore takes on the specific form of the Moebius Strip in which top and bottom surfaces are made continuous through the simple expedient of a twist in space as the artistic representation of the conscious and unconscious dimensions of our human experience.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This reconfigurable lamp is an applied design result of my research and study on the mountain and valley origami folds which suggest motion, structure, and flexibility. Structure as form, form as structure. The lampshade furthermore takes on the specific form of the Mobius Strip in which top and bottom surfaces are made continuous through the simple expedient of a twist in space as the artistic representation of the conscious and unconscious dimensions of our human experience. Thanks to the structure that the folds created, the lamp can transform the shape to engage user interaction.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 610 mm x 305 mm x 1270 mm
- Tags
- lighting, reconfiguredesign, moebiuspendant, origamilamp, Origamidesign, motionlamp , motiondesign
- Production Technology
- The lampshade was made out of a folded single flat sheet of paper covered in linen fabric. The mechanism of the lamp was designed with a combination of simple existing hardware and CNC cut brass plates and discs for containing electrical parts. All parts designed for disassembly, a simple manufacturing process.
- Design Challenge
- Since this is a research about the methodology of origami folds, It was difficult to navigate and plan out specific steps for study at the beginning. However, after getting started, I was driven into this deeply and started to generate testing and testing. It was a very exciting moment and very emotional. Also, designing with several values that I had such as lean manufacturer is also a challenge. However, working with the manufacturer to figure out cost and process helped me to clarify and execute my work.
- Project Duration
- The project started from August 2018 to April 2019 at the University of the Arts, and was exhibited in AIA Architecture and Design Center in May 2019.
- Operation Flow
- Used as a pendant light or decorative statement piece. Users can easily adjust the shape of the lampshade to fit their environment and interest by rotating two triangle plates.
- Research
- My project pushes origami capacities beyond the traditional decorative arts. If we use origami principles at a different scale, we can generate geometric forms that are structural, flexible, and dynamic from one flat sheet of material. In this project, I combined the unique qualities of origami, specifically mountain and valley folds, with the concept of lean manufacturing to create a series of meaningful products.
Starting with generating shapes and exploring patterns for creating the structures for strength test, I came up with three seating objects out of 6 pieces of scored and folded papers that could hold 230 lbs. This exploration helped me to learn about the personality of the folds and materials, the ratio between thickness and length of the fold and how it affected the strength of shape. The area that folds converged was the strongest and how I could make use of the density later on in the design ideation phase.
After the exploration, I started finding ways to apply my origami understanding to design new products focusing on using origami properties at a larger scale, in the creation of a product that utilizes minimal material and a single, refined manufacturing process.
I collaborated with Weber, packaging, and display design company, to gain insights about the manufacturing process including materials, cost, production time, energy efficiency, zero to minimal waste. - Inspiration
- As in the Taoist principle of dynamic reconciliation of opposites we know as yin yang, my pleated work of paper and fabric elegantly folds together solid and void, surface and depth, light and dark, strong and fragile, perhaps male and female and Eastern and Western, to create beautiful yet practical pieces of furniture. This project emphasizes the value of such basic mountain and valley origami folds and applies its fundamental to design products.
- Image Credits
- Nhi Ton
Matt Kullman
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