Luminaire Design
keywords | wood joinery, lighting design, repetition
software/tools used | Revit, Enscape, AutoCad, laser cutter
project description | Students will design a luminaire—hanging pendant, wall sconce, or table lamp—using limited thin plywood and hardwood struts. The challenge is to create an intriguing lighting effect using repetitive, laser-cut components, simple wood joinery, and flat-pack packaging.
Drawing upon patterns of repetition and layers, with illumination peeking through, there is a natural sense of rhythm. Precedents depict it as both table lamps and pendants. The goal is to create ambient lighting through layers and rings of an organic form. Preliminary sketches play on the dynamic crescent cut through the discs, adding a sense of movement and intrigue. Hardware includes a pendant kit and Edison light bulb with an E26 base for complete illumination.
Process Work
Revit facilitated form development and linework exploration for plan and elevation, aiding in determining cut lines. AutoCAD was utilized to outline the discs with precise cuts. Under the guidance of the woodshop trainer, I operated the laser cutter to precisely cut thin plywood sheets.
Final Construction
AutoCAD was employed to create outlines for the discs, which were then cut from thin plywood using a laser cutter. The discs are secured by two strips with carefully placed cuts. The design aims to conceal these strips within the discs, creating a floating appearance. A curved cutout, accentuated by illumination, adds to the overall aesthetic effect.