Tangible Lamp: Enhancing Tactility in Lighting Design

An Elegant and Interactive Lighting Solution by Luca Porta

The Tangible Lamp is characterized by its essential form, which adds to its visual appeal. However, what truly sets it apart is its interactive feature that allows users to adjust the brightness of the LED using a touch membrane. This intuitive gesture brings a sense of tactility to the beam of light, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

The lamp's base is crafted from mahogany wood, meticulously worked with a numerical control machine to achieve its sleek and refined shape. The curved surface, made from a 4mm sheet of thermoformed Corian, adds a touch of elegance to the design. The surface also houses a touch switch recessed in the rear of the base, enabling users to easily turn the lamp on and off.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Tangible Lamp is the presence of a membrane sensor on the Corian surface. This sensor allows users to make the light beam "tangible" by increasing or decreasing its brightness. By moving their finger upward or downward over the LED, users can stretch or compress the light beam, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that follows their movements.

The Tangible Lamp's dimensions are 250mm x 250mm x 345mm, making it a versatile lighting solution suitable for various spaces and settings. Whether used as a bedside lamp or as a decorative piece in a living room, its elegant form and interactive nature make it a standout design.

The development of the Tangible Lamp began in October 2013 and was completed in February. During the design process, extensive research was conducted to find the right sensor and develop a program using Arduino to manage the output signal from the membrane. The main challenge was to achieve the desired effect of tangibility in the light beam while keeping the technology simple and discreet. The lamp's design overcame these challenges and is perfectly feasible with common technology.

The Tangible Lamp has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2014. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Tangible Lamp's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its ability to provide fulfillment and positive feelings contribute to a better world.

The Tangible Lamp by Luca Porta is a testament to the power of design to enhance our everyday experiences. Its elegant form, interactive features, and ability to create a tangible connection with light make it a truly remarkable lighting solution.