Rationale: Threads Pendant Light Concept

My ultimate aim for this project was to create a sense of simplicity and delicacy through the design of a pendant light. The pendant was preferred as it in its form is simplistic, hanging from (at bare minimum) the singular power cord that illuminates the bulb, and dismisses the need for stands, supports or complex additions. Going further, there is a whimsical nature about pendant lights and the way in which an illuminated source hangs freely and responds to the movement of air around it, glowing at or above eye level. This freedom and movement brings beauty that other light forms cannot replicate in the same way.

The initial concept designs for this project were heavily focused on exploiting forms and designs that could be achieved through circles. This began with circles manipulated to create closed in cone masses and cylindrical interlocking forms, though it was apparent that these could not be duplicated using the polypropylene material supplied by JCDecaux.

From this, an exploration into circular rings began and a flat – packable pendant with three folded and interlocking rings demonstrated the sense of simplicity and delicacy that I wanted to achieve. This design, although promising, was discarded after being test – made at 1:1 scale in polypropylene.

The final design is an expression of simplicity and delicacy that celebrates the natural movement and flow of the recycled polypropylene material. Rather than forcing the material to do too much, the design was stripped back to a basic planar form (1 square sheet of polypropylene) which was slitted to create texture and interest, as well as to let light through. Two custom designed and integrated C – shape holdings were also thought into the concept to allow the shade to be fitted to the light source. Although a clear halogen bulb would have added to the pendant’s overall aesthetic, the difficulty in finding a mount that was not chunky or bulky made this unachievable. This said, and in keeping with the theme of recyclability and ecologically sustainable design, the warm fluorescent globe chosen was a sufficient option.

In terms of packaging, the pendant was chosen to be packed in a mailing cylinder for two specific reasons:

1)      The cylinder would enable the sheet of polypropylene to remain curled in one direction – an essential part of the design which, when assembled, allows the fitting to hang curvaceously and splay at the ends

2)      In terms of transport and shipping / storage, the cylinder was the most efficient space – saver, and allowed for greater volumes of the product to be transported at once had it been mass manufactured. In the long run, this would also reduce transport carbon emissions.

Also, in order to keep the design in one piece and aligned until the user is ready to display it, the design remains contained within an outer “frame” of polypropylene, which can be popped off similar to that of a jig-saw puzzle piece, loosely secured by threads of the material that have not been fully sliced through.