EYRIE

luminaire

A pendant lamp exploring the connection between nature and humanity. Using form and light as tools for storytelling.

Nature as Light

Abstraction as a Tool for Storytelling

Challenged to create a luminaire inspired by nature and equipped with inspiration after a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, I wondered how the plants and natural life found in this place could be abstracted into a form that, when paired with light, could capture a story of nature.

The initial sketch that inspired the final concept. Sparked by a quote found on a bench in the gardens, “and the tree gave his life for the boy”

A collection of my sketches exploring a variety of nature-based lamp forms.

Finding a Form

Growing Through Iteration

After sketching without concern for fabrication, purely focused on story and form, there was a difficult challenge in finding physical ways to recreate organic shapes with high fidelity. Working with papier-mache or fabric lacked the finish I desired, while metal or wood were too structured and unfluid in form.

Organic Massing

First prototypes explored what materials could replicate the natural curves of plant life.

A Sense of Protection

Key prototypes in developing the concept:
an orb protected from
its surroundings.

Almost There...

One of the final prototypes containing large amounts of the DNA of the final luminaire.

Putting it Together

Developing a Fabrication Method

After conceptualizing and prototyping a form for the luminaire, a final production method was developed. After researching paper lanterns and wire sculpture, a solution to creating an organic but refined form was established.

The body of the lamp consists of a glass orb and a wire armature covered with Shoji paper.

A collection of the key tools and materials used in creating the luminaire.

Embracing Light

Letting the Project Define Itself

Rather than coming up with a concept and fabrication plan and quickly executing it, this was a process of trial and error. Most importantly, a process of learning from the product and allowing it to make decisions for itself. Once an attempt to show the struggle between humanity and nature, the luminaire guided itself into a story of peace and a gentle appearance. This project serves as a reminder to leave space when designing, as failures and struggles often produce the best results.