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. Inspired by a quote found on a bench in the botanic 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 such organic shapes with high fidelity. Working with paper mache or fabric lacked the finish I desired, while metal or wood were too structured.
Organic Massing
First prototypes explored what materials could replicate the natural curves of plant life.
Almost There...
One of the final prototypes containing large amounts of the DNA of the final luminaire.
A Sense of Protection
Key prototypes in developing the concept, an orb protected from its surroundings.
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.
A collection of the key tools and materials used in creating the luminaire.
The body of the lamp consists of a glass orb and a wire armature covered with Shoji paper.
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.
