Buddy: A 3D Printed Light Revolutionizing Workspace Illumination

Designed by Mona Sharma, Buddy is a playful, sustainable, and innovative lighting solution.

Designing Buddy, Sharma was inspired by the bold shapes and forms found in the Memphis design style, and the clean, minimal forms found in Scandinavian culture. The result is a playful, Scandinavian influenced 3D printed task light that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. Its rounded, subtly tapered silhouette gives it a friendly stance, and the moving head with dimmable light allows for focused task lighting or ambient illumination.

Buddy is not just a product of innovative design, but also of cutting-edge technology. Manufactured by Gantri using FDM 3D printing technology, the light is made from Gantri Plant Polymers - a unique form of PLA derived from sugar crops. This manufacturing process not only ensures a luxury, made-to-order product but also contributes to sustainability and environmental safety.

With its adjustable, dimmable head, Buddy is designed for the dynamic worker. It can be angled up to provide ambient light or tilted down to focus on work, making it a smart, space-saving choice for the office, living room, or even the bedside table. The design is not only functional and sustainable, but it also defies 3D printing norms, meeting aesthetic, moral, and practical values all in one product.

The design process of Buddy was a journey of exploration and innovation. It began in April 2018 and concluded in August 2019, spanning Cambridge, UK, and San Francisco, USA. The project involved market and trend research, material investigation, scale modeling, and test 3D prints. This rigorous process resulted in a new stock part for future designers, pushing the boundaries of 3D printing.

Buddy's design excellence has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2021, a testament to its remarkable design, outstanding expertise, and innovation. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Buddy is more than just a light. It is a testament to the power of design and technology in transforming everyday objects into extraordinary creations. With its unique blend of functionality, sustainability, and design, Buddy is truly a beacon of innovation in workspace illumination.