Pulse Usiba by Leila Ensaniat is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Legolide le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweeFomu kunye neeMveliso eziShicilelwe nge-3D Competition Category.

IgolideUkushicilela nge-3D· 2025

Pulse Usiba

by Leila Ensaniat

Client: N I L A

Ibhaso Legolide le-A' Design Award Winner in Ukushicilela nge-3D Category

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Colors

The Design

About Pulse Usiba

IPulse lusiba oluyilelwe ukuba sisixhobo sokubhala kwakunye nento yobugcisa boqingqo. Isimo salo siphefumlelwe yimilo ezolileyo yelifu kwaye libonakala ngathi liyantanta. Iipateni ezivelisiweyo ezithathwe kwindalo zenza izakhiwo ezinemilo yobomi kumphandle walo. IPulse iveliswa ngendlela yokutyhida ngewakisi elahlekayo (lost wax casting), indlela evelisa kwakhona iinkcukacha ezicolekileyo zemvelo. Olu siba lunokutyhidwa nge-aluminiyam, isilivere, ibronzi okanye igolide, ngokugqityezelwa okugudileyo okanye okusuliweyo. Ubude bungama-160 mm kwaye ububanzi bungama-13.5 mm. Ukugqityezelwa kwesinyithi kongeza ubunzulu, uqweqwe kunye nomgangatho ochukumisekayo kwinto eqhelekileyo yemihla ngemihla.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Legolide le-A' Design Award

Pulse Usiba ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Legolide le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo yeklasi yokuqala, ephawulekayo nentle. Abaphumeleleyo beGolide ziimveliso ezintsha kakhulu, ezinombono ongaphaya nezikhazimlayo ezibonisa ubuchule, ubulumko nobuchule babayili bazo. Pulse Usiba iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimveliso edunyiswe kakhulu, ebeka umkhwa nekumgangatho wesikhumbuzo enikela ixabiso elingazange libonwe. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Legolide le-A' Design Award yiprojekthi emangalisayo nehlonelwayo eluncedo kakhulu kwaye inyusa imida yobugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha. Pulse Usiba idala iimvakalelo ezinzulu zonqweno, ivusa umdla, ikhuthaza ukuyila kwaye iyasikhwebela.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This project explores the potential of generative patterns inspired by nature, transforming them into biomorphic structures that enhance both the visual and functional qualities of the product. By experimenting with a variety of metal finishing techniques, the design gains depth, texture, and subtle reflection, turning a simple object into a tactile and visual experience. The process also offered valuable insight into the craftsmanship of metal finishing and plating, bridging digital design with traditional material processes.
Dimensions & Packaging: Pen Height: 160 mm
Pen Diameter: 13.5 mm
Materials: Cast in aluminum, silver, bronze, or gold (via lost wax method)
Finish: Polished or brushed metal options
Tags: Floating Pen, Sculptural Object, Biomorphic Design, Generative Pattern, Everyday Object, Nature-Inspired, Minimal Design, Tactile Experience, Functional Sculpture, Craftsmanship, Artistic Tool
Production Technology: The piece is crafted using the lost wax method (investment casting), allowing for precise reproduction of organic, detailed forms. It can be cast in a range of metals, including aluminum, silver, bronze, and even real gold offering versatility in both finish and value. This traditional technique brings a refined, timeless quality to a contemporary design.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to redesign a familiar object, the pen. into a sculptural, functional piece. Inspired by nature, the biomorphic form required careful balance between aesthetics and ergonomics. Lost wax casting was chosen to capture detail, but limited studio access during early 2022 required adaptability and hands-on experimentation. This process deepened the understanding of material, craft, and emotional design.
Research: This project explores the balance between everyday function and sculptural form by reimagining the pen as a minimal, floating object inspired by the elegance of a cloud. Biomorphic patterns and surface treatments enhance its tactile and visual quality. Crafted through lost wax casting in aluminum, silver, bronze, and gold, Pulse blends traditional metalwork with contemporary design to create a writing tool that invites interaction and reflection.
Inspiration: Pulse is a floating pen, inspired by the quiet grace of a cloud. It brings new life to an everyday object that has remained unchanged for years. Light, calm, and balanced, it invites a moment of pause in a busy day. Each detail was shaped to feel natural, clear, and easy to use a small object made with care, to feel just right in your hand and your space.
Project Duration: The project began in January 2022 in Los Angeles and was completed in February 2023. It started as an exploration of surface treatments that could transform the pen from a simple writing instrument into a sculptural object. This artistic approach guided the design process from concept to completion
Operation Flow: Pulse functions as a writing tool, but invites interaction as a sculptural object. Its form encourages touch, exploration, and visual appreciation even when not in use. The unique surface treatments add depth and texture, creating a tactile experience that goes beyond writing. More than a pen, it becomes a moment of pause and beauty on your desk.
Patents: Image #1 by Leila Ensaniat
Image #2 by Leila Ensaniat
Image #3 by Leila Ensaniat
Image #4 by Leila Ensaniat
Image #5 by Leila Ensaniat