U Tafellamp by Monica Pinto de Almeida is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award in Zilver in Verlichtingsproducten en Armatuurontwerp Competition Category.

ZilverVerlichting· 2023

U Tafellamp

by Monica Pinto de Almeida

Client: Mokki Design

A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Verlichting Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #144976

Meer info Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About U Tafellamp

De U-tafellamp combineert kunst en design met zijn zuivere esthetiek in de vorm van een omgekeerde u gemaakt van frost en opaalachtig acryl. Het haalt inspiratie uit de passies van de ontwerper, haar academische achtergrond en van kunstenaars die kleur en licht beheersen. Het benadrukt het expressieve element, kleur, en dwingt mensen om kleuren op nieuwe manieren te zien door emoties te combineren met vormen en kunst en design te vermengen. De lamp werkt met een e27 chromen lampfitting bedekt met het opaalachtige acryl dat als diffusor werkt en een grafisch effect creëert.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Zilver

U Tafellamp is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. U Tafellamp wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. U Tafellamp is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
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