Outer Borough: A Collaborative and Innovative Floor Lamp

Combining Concrete and Wood for a Unique Design

The Outer Borough Lamp (OBL) is a floor lamp designed by Matthew Haseltine that showcases the perfect blend of age-old materials and modern technology. With its high-strength cast concrete base and double-leaf steam-bent wooden arm, this lamp stands out as a collaborative and innovative lighting solution.

The inspiration behind the Outer Borough Lamp comes from the designer's fascination with the authenticity and eco-friendliness of concrete and the honest manipulation of steam-bent wood. Haseltine believes that these materials embody a sense of material honesty that is truly inspiring. Additionally, the lamp's design reflects the cultural shift towards inclusivity, as it is designed to collaborate with the pendants of other designers.

What sets the Outer Borough Lamp apart from other floor lamps is its modular and collaborative nature. While it can stand on its own merit, it is also designed to support the pendants of other designers with equal confidence. The two leafs of the wooden arm come together to achieve a common goal - supporting the work of others. This collaborative spirit is what makes the Outer Borough Lamp truly unique.

The realization of the Outer Borough Lamp involves a combination of high-strength self-consolidating concrete and steam-bent oak wood. The concrete base is poured into a steel mold with all fittings, adjustable feet, and electrical housings cast in place. After curing, the base is polished and sealed to achieve a hard and reflective finish. The oak wood arm is steam-bent and shaped before being connected to the base with stainless steel spacers and black-oxide connectors. The lamp is then equipped with electronics, including a computer connector inlet and a standard outlet for easy operation.

With dimensions of 250 mm x 305 mm x 2450 mm and a weight of 30 kg, the Outer Borough Lamp is designed to be easily assembled by two people in less than 5 minutes. The lamp base and arm can be shipped separately, ensuring safe and convenient transportation.

Not only does the Outer Borough Lamp boast a unique design and collaborative nature, but it also offers a seamless user experience. The lamp is operated through a switch or dimmer located at the top of the lamp base, and its adjustable feet allow for easy correction on uneven floors.

The Outer Borough Lamp project is an ongoing endeavor, with new collaborations and customization options constantly being explored. The lamp's design and materials can be tailored to complement the pendants of alternate designers, making it a versatile and adaptable lighting solution.

Through extensive research and development, the Outer Borough Lamp achieves a perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. The lamp's concrete mix is carefully formulated to be eco-friendly, and its production process minimizes waste. The lamp's size is optimized to consume exact quantities of industry-standard supply quantities, further reducing waste and ensuring efficient production.

Despite the creative and technical challenges involved in realizing the Outer Borough Lamp, the end result is a testament to the designer's dedication and expertise. The chemistry of the materials and the coordination of modular components were carefully orchestrated to ensure a seamless and visually striking design.

The Outer Borough Lamp has already garnered recognition in the design world, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures category in 2021. This award is a testament to the lamp's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, as well as its ability to meet professional and industrial requirements.

With its collaborative spirit, innovative design, and commitment to sustainability, the Outer Borough Lamp is not just a floor lamp - it is a statement piece that embodies the intersection of art, architecture, design, innovation, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Matthew Haseltine
Image Credits: Matthew Haseltine
Project Team Members: Matthew Haseltine
Project Name: Outer Borough
Project Client: Matthew Haseltine


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