Bo Kaap

Lead Designers Chad Rayner

Entry Description

Concept & Inspiration:
Growing up in Cape Town, I was captivated by the silhouettes of birds perched on powerlines, backdropped by skies that shift through spectacular colors from dawn to dusk, invoking a deep, quiet sense of calm. ‘Bo Kaap’ which means ‘Above the Cape’ in Afrikaans was born from a desire to recreate that feeling through light and form, to translate an everyday scene into a poetic and ambient experience within interior spaces.

Design Process & Development:
The concept originated as a sketch several years ago and was brought to life through an iterative process of prototyping and 3D printing. Each bird represents a different character or moment in the motion of the bird to create movement. The wall light comprises of five birds that each use the wall it is mounted on to reflect a pool of light around them. Unique dual-color light combinations change with automated circadian set scenes.

The fixture integrates two Zigbee®-compatible controllers for the light above and below the ‘Line,’ enabling full user control via smart home systems. The LED strips used are capable of both RGB color and tuneable white (CCT), allowing for mood-specific customization or automation. The current prototype is 3D printed PLA on steel tube. Production would be a powder coated all steel outer shell.

Sustainability Approach

This fixture was developed with sustainability in mind from prototyping through to production. The prototype is in 3D printed in renewably sourced PLA, minimizing waste during development. For manufacturing, the body would be produced in recyclable steel with non-toxic powder coating, and internal components optimized through injection molding for material efficiency. The modular design allows for easy repair, scaling, or refitting rather than full replacement, extending product lifespan. Integrated high-efficiency LEDs, combined with smart controls, reduce energy use by enabling automation. Looking ahead, the design supports a circular approach, with components intended for easy disassembly and recycling at end-of-life, ensuring durability, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.