Lighting
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Modern Icons: The Random Light
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Have you noticed quite a few lovely textured globe lights floating around the spaces we feature on Houzz? This popular pendant is called the Random Light. It was created by Bertjan Pot in 2002, and it is made by Moooi. This young light is quickly becoming a modern icon.
In trying to find out more about how it was created (I had heard something about popping a balloon and a knitting but thought surely that couldn't be right), I stumbled upon his website, where he says "During my study at the Design Academy Eindhoven I really enjoyed being taught how to weave and knit and I still think this is reflected in my work. I think that one of the reasons why textile is so interesting to me is that it is interesting on all levels. If you look at it with a magnifying glass, or just up close, or from a distance, as a piece or garment that someone is wearing or as a curtain with a nice texture on it seen from the other side of the room."
One can see how this attitude led to the creation of the Random Light. It was originally created by wrapping epoxy-dipped fiberglass around a large balloon. The final result produced all the effects Mr. Pot uses to describe texture. Different patterns are seen up close and from afar. Additionally, because it is a light, whether or not the light is on or off can change one's experience of it as well (check out the pattern the light creates on the walls in the first image below). Another variation comes from choosing the color of the light and what's around it - for example, the white version against a white wall is dramatically different from the black version against a white wall.
As a side note, Mr. Pot is someone I would love to have a cup of coffee with. His succinct and astute observations on his website conclude with this quote that is just so true and rather funny:
"Ok, so it's just a theory. Don't study it too hard. I consider theories something to think about and something to discuss when not designing. When it comes to designing one should just design without being blocked by too much theory.... only when you're stuck, desperate or drunk one should spend more than 15 minutes concerning design theories. I still believe the best designs come from the heart and not from the mind."
How great is that quote? Don't think about it too much, or you may get blocked!
In trying to find out more about how it was created (I had heard something about popping a balloon and a knitting but thought surely that couldn't be right), I stumbled upon his website, where he says "During my study at the Design Academy Eindhoven I really enjoyed being taught how to weave and knit and I still think this is reflected in my work. I think that one of the reasons why textile is so interesting to me is that it is interesting on all levels. If you look at it with a magnifying glass, or just up close, or from a distance, as a piece or garment that someone is wearing or as a curtain with a nice texture on it seen from the other side of the room."
One can see how this attitude led to the creation of the Random Light. It was originally created by wrapping epoxy-dipped fiberglass around a large balloon. The final result produced all the effects Mr. Pot uses to describe texture. Different patterns are seen up close and from afar. Additionally, because it is a light, whether or not the light is on or off can change one's experience of it as well (check out the pattern the light creates on the walls in the first image below). Another variation comes from choosing the color of the light and what's around it - for example, the white version against a white wall is dramatically different from the black version against a white wall.
As a side note, Mr. Pot is someone I would love to have a cup of coffee with. His succinct and astute observations on his website conclude with this quote that is just so true and rather funny:
"Ok, so it's just a theory. Don't study it too hard. I consider theories something to think about and something to discuss when not designing. When it comes to designing one should just design without being blocked by too much theory.... only when you're stuck, desperate or drunk one should spend more than 15 minutes concerning design theories. I still believe the best designs come from the heart and not from the mind."
How great is that quote? Don't think about it too much, or you may get blocked!
Look closely at the walls and check out the cool pattern this light throws - it looks like wallpaper.
The light can fade into white walls and ceilings when you want it to...
by Fogarty Finger
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...or hold it's own against color and texture, like this red brick wall.
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| The glowing light bulb in the center is another way the experience of this light changes when it's on. |
by Fogarty Finger
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From this view, the light almost looks like half a sphere, because the bottom is blending into the window behind it.
by Fogarty Finger
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I have to give props to the photographer who centered the light so perfectly in this image.
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by Ninainvorm
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| This image and the one below are a great example of how the experience of the texture changes depending on where you're standing. |
In this shot you can see the texture of the light so much better, whereas in the image above, the light almost looks like a translucent glass globe.
Ideabook updated on Sept. 13, 2010.
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Don't leave these heights and support wire positions to your "Sparky". These lights need to be spec with proper heights and amount of slack wanted in the finished display.
Lots of times the "Sparky's" vision and the clients are different. This mistake is easy not to make - just map it out...
I do love the light feature...
This is a common term here in Vancouver. I also seam to always spell Electrician like this anyway "Electrian" and then I have to spell check, ask my wife, my 8 year old.....
Sparky is so much easier and I can spell it!
www.merusdesign.com
Houzz Tour is here:
More info on the catalog is here:
http://www.frecklewonder.com/2011/01/25/kitchen-inspiration-old-and-new
The 2nd shot on this page shows the home of Catherine Radcliffe. She is an interior designer here at Riesco & Lapres Interior Design. I think our firm's name should be on the photo credit.
Thanks!
Nancy Riesco