Ardora: A Surprising Twist on the Ordinary Candle

Unveiling a Hidden Heart as the Wax Melts

In this project, designer Sebastian Popa explores the concept of perception by creating Ardora, a candle that brings surprise and fondness to its users. At first glance, Ardora appears to be an ordinary candle, but as it gradually melts, a heart-shaped ceramic piece is revealed, adding a touch of uniqueness and charm.

Ardora is a metaphorical object that challenges our expectations. Sebastian Popa wanted to create a gift that would elicit a reaction of surprise and delight. By disguising the heart-shaped ceramic piece within the candle, Ardora plays with the concept of perception and invites users to discover its special feature.

The heart inside Ardora is made from heat-resistant ceramic, ensuring its durability as the wax melts away. The candle itself is crafted from high-quality wax and can be infused with different fragrances, creating a pleasant atmosphere when lit.

One of the main challenges in designing Ardora was achieving uniform melting of the wax around the ceramic heart. Initially, the candle had a single wick that passed in front of the heart, causing uneven melting and leaving a portion of the heart covered. To overcome this, Sebastian Popa redesigned the candle with a wick that separates inside, passing through the front and back of the ceramic heart. This innovative design allows the wax to melt uniformly, fully revealing the heart-shaped surprise within.

Ardora measures 58mm in diameter and stands at a height of 70mm, making it a compact and visually appealing addition to any space. Its unique design and hidden feature make it an ideal gift for special occasions or simply as a charming addition to one's own home decor.

The Ardora project began in September 2013 and continues to evolve, showcasing the designer's dedication to creating innovative and surprising designs. Sebastian Popa's attention to detail and commitment to providing a delightful experience through his creations have earned him recognition, including the Bronze A' Design Award in the Decorative Items and Homeware Design category in 2015.

Ardora is a testament to the power of design to transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. By challenging our perception and adding an element of surprise, Sebastian Popa has created a candle that brings joy and fondness to those who experience it.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Sebastian Popa
Image Credits: Sebastian Popa
Project Team Members: Sebastian Popa
Project Name: Ardora
Project Client: Sebastian Popa


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