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03. Chrome Light

Prompt

Design a tabletop object that reimagines the future of tablescapes, considering function, manufacturability, and material exploration.

Inspiration Sketches

I drew inspiration from 10 different creations, analyzing a variety of works to shape my own ideas. These included (from left to right): Rustic Ash Table by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede, Houseplant Block Table Lighter by Seth Rogen, Brutalist Table Lamp by Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, Croc Table by Joel Skinner, Welbeck Street Car Park, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, a Brutalist Aluminum Pewter Salad Fork & Spoon Set by an unknown designer, Hidden Form by Oliver Kanniste, En Concreto by Lilliana Ovalle, and the Vertical Kadinjača Monument.

A common thread among my inspirations was the prevalence of brutalist design. After careful consideration, I decided to move forward with Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Brutalist Table Lamp as my primary influence. From this, I conceptualized a sleek steel lamp that features a rotating panel, allowing the user to either flood the room with light or direct it more precisely.

Models

I developed three different models to explore variations in size, width, height, and the incorporation of geometric shapes. I transformed my original sketch into a light fixture with triangular sides and slanted panels. The design features a support bar that offers versatile mounting options—it can be screwed into the ceiling, sit flush on a table or the ground, or even be suspended with twine.

Material Discovery and Construction

I used a manufacturing company, SendCutSend, to cut and deliver 40+ inch parts made from 16-gauge cold-rolled steel. To complete the assembly, I learned essential metalworking techniques such as shearing, drilling, welding, grinding, and polishing steel. I practiced welding with a 75% Argon/25% CO2 gas mixture and 0.030" welding wire, adjusting the voltage and amperage to achieve the right balance (2/30) for welding my material without creating holes, bumps, or burns.

Renders (Solidworks)

Final Model

Max Hite