Flat-Pack Luminaire
Balancing Efficient Use of Materials with Aesthetic Value
4-week individual study of cost vs. benefit
Project Overview
The goal of this project is to design and fabricate a freestanding luminaire that will ship flat as a ready-to-assemble kit. The quality of light and visual interest of the overall form should be considered, as well as cost and material use.
Constraints
no glue, tape, screws, etc.
1 Ikea "HEMMA" cord set
≤ three 31.1”x15.1” pieces of laser cut-safe material, ≤ 0.25” thick
Inspiration
I began by compiling images that captured my ideal aesthetic. In doing this, I found inspiration for the type of shape, tabbing and details that I wanted to achieve. Additionally, I found that I was interested in how layering and twisting pieces created gradients, shadows, and visual interest that I wanted to include in my luminaire design.
Sketch Models
light emitted from top too harsh
lacking visual interest in body
ROUND 1
good contrast of foam core and polyethylene material
cord exiting from top is distracting
does not provide sufficient light
difficult to assemble without adhesives
balanced emission of light
material layering adds aesthetic value
(chosen direction)
opportunity for tabbing to assemble
lacking good light gradient
visual interest of twisted petals
ROUND 2
bulb holder distracting
body-to-petal proportion imbalanced
switch to paper manipulates light well
improved tabs
layering creates interesting shadows
more cost efficient than polyethylene
twisting of petals causes tabs to rip
light too harsh at top
needs more light toward bottom
needs more light toward bottom
needs more light toward bottom
new paper color adds warmth to light
Refining Form
clear acrylic bulb socket holder to allow light to pass through to bottom
changed paper color to lighter shade
increased overall size for better light distribution
changed tabbing to avoid ripping
Laser Cutting & Cost Breakdown
CANSON PAPER
1/8" CLEAR ACRYLIC
HEMMA CORD SET
for one luminaire
MATERIALS
Canson Paper ($0.01/sq. in)
1/8" Clear Acrylic
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CUTTING
Fabrication Cost
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$4.09
$1.95
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$53.31
$59.35
TOTAL PRODUCTION COST
Cost Analysis
Final Results
effective tabbing system for adhesive-free assembly
paper color gives warmth to light quality
light strong enough to create shadows in daylight
even distribution of light from top to bottom
layering creates shadows and light gradients
aesthetic ground illumination