Orbita: A Lamp that Blends Craftsmanship with Technology

Combining Artisanal Tradition and Innovation

Orbita is a unique lamp designed by Andres Luer Solorza that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Its key element of innovation is interaction, allowing users to split the domes and create light. With a simple gesture, the single ball transforms into two rotating hemispheres, perfectly balanced on a pivotal mechanism that enables a 360-degree rotation and offers four different light settings.

The lamp's manufacture is based on reclaimed wood native to Patagonia. The wood is carefully selected, preserving areas with marks, cuts, or recesses that tell a story, such as old rail tracks and logs. The legs and rings that host the light source are shaped using CNC milling, while lathe parts are engineered to bring the lamp together and allow for its full rotation system. The light experience is enhanced through the use of wicker or copper lampshades, which are illuminated by PCB circuits.

Orbita's technical specifications include different wood specimens, measuring 135h x 50cm x 50cm and weighing 3.8kg. It provides warm light with four different settings and features an interchangeable LED source.

The function of Orbita is determined by the interaction of the user. When the lamp is off, it presents itself as a complete sphere. The light turns on when the user splits the sphere by rotating the upper dome. The degree of rotation determines the chosen light setting.

The development of Orbita started in September 2020 in the south of Chile and was completed in August 2021 at the same location. Extensive research was conducted to explore the intersection of technology, craft, and user interaction. Interactive and non-interactive prototypes were tested, and it became apparent that products with interactive features drew and determined customer choices. From the users' perspective, these products ranked higher in the market, resulting in increased capitalization and financial gains for the artisans.

Creating Orbita posed several challenges. The lamp's 360-degree rotating feature required the engineering of a pivotal core and an easy-fit locking system for inspection. The light source, an interchangeable LED ring, needed a circuit board capable of conducting electricity during rotation and switching on/off. Additionally, working with reclaimed wood presented challenges due to its natural movement. Each piece had to be carefully inspected to determine the best cuts and undergo proper drying.

Orbita's concept revolves around user interaction and connection. The gesture of splitting the sphere on top of the lamp determines the amount of light and switches it on/off. During rotation, users can choose from four different light settings. The two half spheres can be made of copper, brass, aluminum, or wicker, each providing a distinct style and light shade experience. The lamp's structure features a solid wood tripod for stability and a solid pivoting core for the rotational system.

Orbita's innovative design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness. Orbita's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology showcases strong technical and creative skills and contributes to improvements in quality of life, making the world a better place.

Image Credits: Photographer EstudioDaf, Orbita session, 2021

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights Atelierluer 2021