Biologically-Inspired Light

I got sidetracked with summer festivals and took a mini-break from posting projects from the Industrial Design (ID) program.  Not that I'm complaining.  Summer festivals are a great way to interact with local artists and to meet new people.  I digress.  I'll probably be sprinkling ID projects here and there from now til indefinitely in between other festivals, furniture launches, and hopefully more features *fingers crossed.  You'll be able to get your ID fix today. 

Design Challenge 3: Design a light that aids in providing natural light for those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  The light will be organic in form and be made using sustainable materials. 

My light was inspired by a human eye and eyelid.  I used remnant strips of thin wood soaked in water to create a curved form to represent the eyelid.  The bolt on the side allows the "eyelid" to move over the "eye" to change the amount of light emitted.  The lamp neck fell right into place by supporting the eye and controlling the direction of the light.  I used a flexible metal tube with metal rods and pins to create a resemblance of a spinal cord.  The base of the lamp and the outer eye are made from handpoured concrete, the cornea is made from a plastic ball, and the retina is made from a bolt.  Not only will the lighting provide light therapy for SAD but maybe the bio-inspired quality may provide you some company as well?  Hm.
See images below.