Monica Pinto de Almeida's "Cubes": A Masterpiece in Lighting Design

Architectural Inspiration Meets Innovative Lighting in Award-Winning Design

The "Cubes" table lamp is a testament to Almeida's passion for architecture, particularly from the early 20th century. The design was inspired by the work of volumes with defined geometric shapes and the principle of "truth to materials." The lamp consists of three geometric forms stacked in a balanced composition, distinguished by the material, wood, enhancing its warm personality. The asymmetric positioning of the forms creates a different profile on each side, allowing for a constant rediscovery of the piece.

Almeida's design process began with drawings and sketches to develop the concept of the piece. She then worked on the volumetry with several physical models made in cardboard to better understand the volumes, dimensions, and light effects. The final piece was produced using CNC, laser engraving for the logo, and final assembly with highly skilled handwork and varnish finishings.

The lamp is made out of three volumes produced in solid wood, with options of oak, walnut, and a veneer option in palisander. The light fixture is a led circuit with a diffuser, softly distributing the light downwards on two of the volumes. The included light feature is led and operates on two of the volumes in a downwards orientation softened with an opaline diffuser.

Almeida's "Cubes" table lamp creates a dynamic connection with the user, forcing the viewer's eye not to remain static, but to discover distances, volumes, and shapes due to the asymmetric positioning of all the volumes of the piece. The lamp can be used in any room, creating a subtle, intimate, and elegant lighting, taking the space around it with its aesthetic character and the warmth of wood.

The design project began in 2015 and was completed in 2018. It was first exhibited at an interiors event called Sleepin in Porto, Portugal. Since 2021, the lamp has been on display at the Codigo design gallery in Porto. The "Cubes" table lamp is a clear aesthetic inspired by the architecture of the early 20th century, the Bauhaus, and German modernism. It expresses a concept combining light with graphic design, a sculpture of geometric shapes.

Almeida's design was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2022. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.