Coral Blanche: A Unique Floor Lamp Inspired by Coral Bleaching

Exploring the Transient Beauty and Devastating Consequences

The project draws inspiration from Coral Bleaching, a phenomenon where coral reefs experience a whitening effect due to the rise in ocean temperatures. Coral Blanche aims to capture the transient beauty of this process, which ironically represents the corals' struggle to survive. As the algae in the coral tissues are displaced, the corals starve and eventually die, leading to the destruction of coral reefs.

Coral Blanche stands out with its unique design language. The main structure of the lamp resembles a bleached sea fan coral, symbolizing the whitening phenomenon. Ten LED bulbs are affixed to the structure, representing the eggs laid by coral fishes. These bulbs illuminate the corals' lives while also serving as a reminder of the threats they face as their habitats rapidly perish.

The lamp's construction utilizes biodegradable blends, ensuring that it aligns with sustainable design principles. Frost LED bulbs are used to provide a soft and ambient lighting experience. With dimensions of 1771 mm in width and 1547 mm in height, Coral Blanche is an eye-catching addition to any living room, offering both floor and wall lighting options.

Yongwook Seong embarked on this design project in May 2020 and completed it in June 2020 in Banff, Canada. Extensive research on Coral Bleaching underpins the creation of Coral Blanche, shedding light on the global crisis facing coral reef habitats. By exploring the transient beauty of Coral Bleaching and its devastating consequences for marine life, this project aims to raise awareness and inspire action.

The design process presented several challenges for Yongwook Seong. Selecting the right coral shape that could effectively incorporate the LED bulbs was crucial. Ultimately, a sea fan coral was chosen for its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Material choice was another hurdle, with the designer prioritizing biodegradability. After considering options like corn-based PLA, which proved non-biodegradable, biodegradable blends, preferably starch-based, were selected.

Coral Blanche has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the lamp's outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, showcasing strong technical and creative skills. Coral Blanche contributes to improving the quality of life and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving coral reefs.

Coral Blanche is not just a floor lamp; it is a powerful statement about the beauty and fragility of coral reefs. Through its unique design and thought-provoking concept, it encourages us to appreciate and protect these vital ecosystems.