Toñita Floor Lamp

Lead Designers Mariana De Alba Jaime

Entry Description

Toñita is a floor lamp designed to create cozy atmospheres, inviting users to find moments of relaxation and well-being. Inspired by the Danish philosophy of Hygge, which celebrates happiness in the small everyday pleasures, it aims to create a bridge between the aesthetic and artisanal richness of Mexico and the focus on well-being and quality of life that characterizes Nordic design.

To ground the design in Mexican aesthetics, this project draws formal inspiration from "La Vida en el Arte" by Clara Porset and how it incorporates vernacular design into modern Mexican contexts. The convergence of two seemingly distant traditions: Mexican cultural heritage and the Nordic philosophy of hygge.

Toñita aims to be a sculptural piece in the home that solves a basic need—lighting and the creation of atmosphere. With its handcrafted texture, it provides a unique sensation and invites users to engage their senses: the gentle touch of natural materials, the warmth of the light, and the visual appeal of the design even when the light is off.

The warm, adjustable light enhances the cozy ambiance, and users can easily customize the intensity by simply touching the wood in a specific area, as the dimmer switch is cleverly hidden. In this prototype, a 12-volt LED strip of warm light was used to achieve this effect.

Made of handcrafted Poplar wood sealed with white ink and equipped with two

Sustainability Approach

Key Circular Economy Features:
Sustainable Materials: Toñita is built primarily from locally sourced certified Poplar wood, a renewable resource that supports responsible forestry practices and reduces carbon footprint. The leather belts are chosen for their durability and longevity, ensuring the lamp remains a cherished piece for years to come. Modularity and Repair: Toñita's design emphasizes modularity in order to minimize material waste, and assembly systems allows easy repair or replacement of individual components. If any part wear out over time, it can be replaced without discarding the entire lamp.
Longevity and Timeless Design: Toñita's timeless aesthetic transcends fleeting trends, ensuring it remains relevant and desirable for years to come. The emphasis on quality craftsmanship further extends its lifespan.