Nopales: A Luminous Cactus from Circuitry

Sebastian Morales and Tiri Kananuruk's Ingenious PCB Lamp

The Nopales lamp, conceived by the creative minds of Sebastian Morales and Tiri Kananuruk, stands as a testament to the fusion of technology and art. Drawing inspiration from the vivid landscapes of Mexico, this design transcends the conventional use of PCBs, showcasing their inherent beauty. The designers' dedication to innovation is evident in the months spent collaborating with manufacturers to perfect a novel method for the mechanical and electrical interlocking of PCBs, ensuring that Nopales not only illuminates but endures.

What sets Nopales apart is its modular nature, allowing individuals to engage with the design in a hands-on manner. This lamp is not merely a static object but an interactive experience that invites users to assemble their own nopal from a flat PCB that resembles a postcard. The potential for personalization is limitless, as one can expand their cactus creation by integrating additional cards, making each Nopales lamp a unique piece of art.

The realization of Nopales leverages the precision and efficiency of modern PCB production, incorporating LEDs, a microcontroller, and a battery to bring the design to life. The technical specifications reveal a thoughtful consideration for versatility and ease of assembly, with dimensions that transform from a compact flat form to an expressive three-dimensional structure.

Keywords like "PCB," "Modular," and "Mexico" encapsulate the essence of Nopales, highlighting its roots in Mexican culture and its innovative approach to everyday objects. The collaborative effort of Morales and Kananuruk has resulted in a design that is not only functional but also serves as a statement piece, contributing to the aesthetic of any space.

Operating Nopales is as simple as it is enjoyable. The user can manually break apart the PCB, assemble their own cactus, and use the button to toggle through various brightness levels. Thoughtfully designed with an auto sleep function, Nopales conserves energy, ensuring that the beauty of the lamp can be appreciated without unnecessary power consumption.

The journey of Nopales from concept to reality was marked by challenges, particularly in the realm of PCB interconnection. The designers' persistence in overcoming these obstacles is reflected in the lamp's seamless assembly process, devoid of bulky connectors or soldering requirements. Exhibited at the HeadHi Lamp show in Brooklyn, NY, and later at PioneerWorks, Nopales has not only captivated audiences but has also earned the prestigious Bronze A' Product Engineering and Technical Design Award in 2024, solidifying its status as a design that harmoniously blends art and engineering.

MORAKANA LLC holds the image credits for this innovative design, ensuring that the visual representation of Nopales is as authentic as the lamp itself. As a beacon of creativity and sustainability, Nopales stands as a shining example of how design can elevate the mundane to the extraordinary, encouraging us to see the world in a new light.