Shwood: A Desk Lamp that Combines Craftsmanship and Calm

Elevating Wood Craftsmanship and Reducing Stress Levels

The inspiration for the Shwood desk lamp came from Joakim Ryden's desire to surround himself with nature and materials that evoke a sense of touch and connection. The lamp seeks to recreate the emotions and memories that light and sound can evoke, providing users with a unique and calming experience.

What sets the Shwood desk lamp apart is its emphasis on craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. The lamp is operated by sliding the wooden center pillar through the outer structure, emitting the sound of solid wood pieces sliding with minimal friction. This tactile interaction with the lamp not only enhances the user's connection with nature but also adds a sensory element to the lighting experience.

The name "Shwood" itself is a combination of the sound produced by the sliding wood and the material used, emphasizing the lamp's fusion of sound, touch, and nature. It stands as a piece of nature that accompanies users, providing both light and a calming sensation.

In terms of design and production, the Shwood desk lamp was created using Sketchup and Vray for renders. Hand sketches were used during the concept stage, followed by a 3D printed mock-up to test the product's scale and operational elements.

Technical specifications of the Shwood desk lamp include a height of 25 cm when closed and 40 cm when fully extended, with a width and depth of 7 cm. The lamp is made primarily from beech wood, chosen for its ease of use, light color, and environmentally friendly growing and harvesting practices. The electrical components for the LED light sources are hidden within the pillar and the bottom of the outer structure, maintaining the lamp's sleek and seamless design.

Operating the Shwood desk lamp is a simple yet engaging process. Sliding the inner pillar upwards softly turns on the light, which is held in position by a small hook on the backside. To turn off the light, users can slightly drop the inner pillar down and backwards, allowing the hook to connect with the ledge integrated on the inside of the outer wooden structure.

The Shwood desk lamp project began in December 2021 in Stockholm and was completed in August 2022. Throughout the design process, Joakim Ryden conducted extensive research on wood types and everyday objects that interact with nature. The challenge for him was to capture the essence of nature and a simpler life within a digital concept, which he successfully achieved through his dedication to learning and refining his 3D modeling skills.

The Shwood desk lamp has been recognized for its innovative design and practicality, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures category in 2023. This award acknowledges the lamp's well-designed and technically competent characteristics, which contribute to a better world by integrating industry best practices and fulfilling users' needs.

The Shwood desk lamp is a testament to the power of craftsmanship, nature-inspired design, and the importance of creating a calming and tactile experience in our modern, high-tech world. It serves as a reminder to embrace the simplicity and beauty of nature in our everyday lives.