Spinning light

Lead Designers Nicolau De Freitas

Entry Description

This lamp’s design is based on replacing the traditional fabric shade with a set of wooden blades that prevent light from traveling directly, but instead redirect it so that it emerges only after a double reflection. This creates a warm, indirect glow enriched by the brown tones of the wood. All of this happens on the horizontal plane, while the vertical axis of the lamp spreads direct light upward and downward, as a traditional lamp does. In this case, the downward light also undergoes an interesting process: the base of the lamp is shaped like a vase, but it has a degree of transparency because the wooden pieces are thin and spaced in the lower section. This allows the light to reflect on the surface supporting the lamp, producing a beautiful combination of direct light and two types of indirect light that fill the environment.
The central idea of the geometry is the creation of a set of planes that block light from traveling directly but allow it to spread indirectly as described above. These planes rotate around a central symmetry axis and are fixed to three concentric rings. To prevent light from crossing the geometry directly, the planes are rotated along the vertical axis, and their outer edges are sloped to suggest the silhouette of a traditional lamp. The width of these planes was carefully studied to cover the lightbulb up to a certain angle, thus avoiding the dazzle

Sustainability Approach

This lamp is made from 5mm plywood, precisely cut using a laser and then assembled by hand. The laser cutting allows for extremely thin, accurate pieces, reducing material waste and ensuring that each component fits perfectly.
Plywood is a sustainable material because it is manufactured from layers of wood veneers, making efficient use of timber resources. Finished with natural oil, the lamp highlights the subtle textures and tones of the plywood while avoiding synthetic chemicals. The careful hand assembly adds durability and character, transforming each set of flat pieces into a long-lasting, elegant structure.
By combining modern cutting technology with artisanal craftsmanship, this lamp exemplifies a responsible and sustainable approach to design. The efficient use of material, long lifespan, and natural finish ensure that the lamp is as environmentally conscious as it is visually st