DESIGN PROCESS

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I began the process of cultivating my luminaire idea with extensive research on a sustainable material that could react to light in a way that’s both elegant and visually comforting to people. My goal was to experiment with an uncommon material that hasn’t been vastly marketed for lamps. Through researching, I found 99.9% pure copper mesh sheets.

model — Through researching, I found 99.9% pure copper mesh sheets. I created a small-scale prototype by molding a dress over a mannequin, resulting in the illusion of a dress suspended in mid-air.

explore — I tested copper and veneer wood with a white one-directional light to study their reaction with the forms and curvatures it creates. While I liked how the light interacted with the veneer wood, it caused highlights and washed out the copper color. I also felt that the design of the left model was too wide to scale as a realistic size floor lamp.

This is the final-simplified mockup I created to guide my final design.

MATERIAL & EMOTIONAL RESEARCH

The gentle luminosity of amber light is both anxiety and stress relieving. The illumination it emits naturally creates a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. When combined with the natural curvatures of copper mesh, the hues emitted from the mesh are accentuated by the softness of the light, resulting in a unique and visually pleasing aesthetic. This combination creates a sense of comfort and security that can contribute significantly to our overall mental well-being. Amber light can help regulate the body's natural circadian rhythm. The production of melatonin is stimulated by the presence of red and orange wavelengths, which are more intense with the refraction of copper against the amber glow. Melatonin regulates our sleep-wake cycle and can lead to better sleep quality and improved mental and physical health.

HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH

I took inspiration from the brand Circadian Optics, which creates lamps for therapy and sleep regulation. The Lumine Light Therapy Lamp, known for its appearance on Shark Tank, is famous for its gentle, amber-colored LED light that is free from UV radiation. This light stimulates the release of hormones that promote happiness and comfort. Inspired by this brand’s dilemma, my luminaire design provides a nice bedside or chairside light with soft, mellow amber lighting that promotes happiness and a relaxing sleep. Its elegant design features copper mesh and textured illumination to add an extra dimension of satisfaction and relieve anxiety. The light ensures that one wakes up feeling refreshed and content.

I cultivated a build plan revolving around the focus of only copper mesh as the exterior material that will be illuminated. The blueprint sketch illustrates other components that I needed to purchase and build with the corresponding measurements. I had to plan for these additions to the copper mesh bodice to ensure proper structure and functionality for the final luminaire.

parts — Pure copper mesh is pretty costly. I had to purchase 40 inch wide by 1 foot tall sheets to make it 4 feet as I initially planned. I used a life size mannequin as my mold. I layered two pieces at a time to formulate the form of the figure.

wavy — This was the first prototype I laser cut with 15 inch pieces connecting in parts to create a spine-like figure that would be the structure of the dress. I chose to only create one tall structure and have the copper mesh wrap the exterior bars. This allowed me to figure out the placement of the light bulbs, which would have one on the bottom base facing upward and one on the top facing downward, so that the light would intersect in the middle as the bulbs face toward one another.

structures — To experiment with the final appearance of the structure I laser cut, I experimented with a few other materials. I explored other sketch appearances of the structure and researched what it might look like if I CNC cut wood to make it a balanced structure. I realized there would be weight and refinement complications. In addition, my goal was also to make the dress appear as if it was floating with a structure that isn’t too intricate and reflects too much through the copper mesh.

PROCESS RESEARCH

To access the hole within the wood piece, I inserted the light bulb cord through the copper pipe. This makes it possible to hide all the hardware within the lamp and showcase the elements that are visually pleasing.

connect — I cut the MDF piece in an oval shape to continue the theme of curvatures. To feed the wires through, I unscrewed the base of the cord that allows the bulb to work. Then with wire cutters, I clipped off three inches to expose the copper within the wire and make it easier to go through the drilled holes.

mdf — For the bases, I used MDF wood in my iteration and I really liked the appearance of wood combined with the mesh. I was set on using copper for the overall piece, but it wasn’t stable on its own nor would it be able to house the light bulbs.

lamp — I decided to use copper pipes to cultivate the structure. Having the copper with copper would allow for there to be no overshadowing of one material and they would work together to create a consistent appearance in the end. I created this iteration using 3/4 inch copper pipes and MDF wood to visualize the structural appearance and decide how to insert my light bulbs where the light of both bulbs could intersect in the middle.

I downsized the diameter of the copper pipes to 1/4 inch, which was enough room to feed the bulb wires through and it was strong enough to withhold the shape of a very curved bend. I used a metal bender to make these curves and I cut the pipes to the height of 45 inches, cutting off 3 inches that would be redeemed by the inch tallness of the wood pieces and an inch added with the copper mesh seeping upward slightly as it wraps.

To maintain a somewhat monochromatic look, I decided to use cherry wood to create the top and bottom bases. I made two 1/4 inch holes on both sides of the cherry wood. And to keep the theme of organic forms and curvatures, I sawed the wood pieces into oval shapes; the top piece was smaller and the bottom base was wider to ensure stability in case anyone were to run into it.

Throughout the process of creating the structural backing, I had to clean the 4 foot copper mesh fabric and copper wire stitching. To do this, I researched that the best way to do so was to submerge it in a large bucket filled halfway with lukewarm water and half with white vinegar. To activate the vinegar, a cup of salt could be added once the copper is in.

I let this sit for one hour then rinsed it with only water. Then I left it to air-dry for one week. It became a very bright salmon color and wrinkled organically. The last step was to remold the fabric against the mannequin to retrieve the form.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

My original idea was simply copper mesh molded against a mannequin to create the form of a dress. This wasn’t realistic for a lamp because it needed more hardware for structure and the integration of light bulbs. I had multiple ideas for the structure that would all be cultivated using wood and CNC cutting pieces. This transformed into a simplified idea with the same curvatures made using copper and the bases remained in wood for stability.

Some feedback I received that helped gage my design was to use thinner copper pipes to create the illusion of the floating copper mesh material when formed as a dress. I was also advised to purchase ceramic bulb stands to sit flush against the wood bases and not disrupt the flow of the materials, because I didn’t want to combine more than 2 materials in the design. When I was struggling to find a way to bind my mesh to the pipes, I settled on either soldering or hot gluing. But then I was granted the idea to continue the pattern of sewing with the copper wire and wrap the fabric tightly to the pipes. The last solution I was given through feedback, which was a large struggle, was how to diffuse the bulb to the best consistent lighting. I was told to add extra layers of copper mesh and wrap it against the copper pipes with the same copper wire method. This added the exact diffused lighting I hoped for. It also made beautiful textures and added volume to the dress form.

sew — I molded the dress onto the mannequin again in order to stretch out the fabric.

spine — Finalizing the construction of the structural backing and cleaning up the copper mesh fabric, it was time to piece it together. I inserted the bulbs and wrapped the fabric around the copper pipes to see how it would all work together.

curve — Then I began calculating how the mesh would mold against the copper pipe curvatures to create the distinct appearance of a dress. Only parts of the mesh would have to be attached with some parts free-flowing. To attach the mesh to certain parts of the copper pipes, I used the same copper wire and wrapped around the pipes, emulating the appearance of a spine.

For the light bulbs, I diffused the light by added two extra layers of copper mesh within the mesh dress. This allowed for the light to refract in a satisfying motion throughout the copper mesh and minimize the harshness of the light within the material.

FINAL CONCEPT

The final creation, named "Blossoming", is a luminaire that weaves together various elements, each contributing to its narrative. The copper mesh, meticulously crafted into a dress form, captures the essence of growth and motion, embodying the spirit of blossoming. The intricate cross-stitching that binds the mesh sheets together serves as a symbol of overcoming suffocation and striving for self-repair outside the confines of societal expectations and judgments. The addition of a spine, made of copper pipes, reveals the strength and resilience of the mesh. It reminds us that we all possess the power to confront and unleash our inner selves, leading to growth and transformation. The wooden oval pieces, shaped like pedestals, elevate the figure and convey a sense of importance and value. This creation is intended to be relatable and comforting. Like many, I have struggled with recognizing my worth and resisting societal pressure to conform. I hope that Blossoming inspires others to recognize their inherent beauty and value, both inside and out.