5X5: A Revolutionary LED Lamp by BARBARA PRINCIC

Unveiling a Unique Lighting Solution Inspired by a Chair

The 5X5 LED lamp is a unique lighting solution that stands out from traditional designs. The lamp's design was inspired by the 5X5 chair, which was introduced and awarded the previous year. The chair's material characteristic required tiles of approximately 5X5 cm, which became the starting point for the lamp. To avoid direct repetition of the form, the 5X5 cm was applied in the shape of a rhombus, the main modular structure part of the lamp. This design allows for the creation of different lighting patterns, such as zig-zag, diagonal line, the shape of an arrow, or any other shape, depending on the user's preference.

The lamp's main structure consists of a thin, flat, lightly curved laser-cut metal sheet plate, surface nickel treated. The rhombus forms are made of white acrylic plate, cut and shaped by vacuum technology, and pasted on the metal plate. The lighting system consists of 8 LED strips with 8 6 Watt diodes attached to the metal sheet plate. The curving of the LED circuit represented a special technological challenge, leading to a technical innovation.

The 5X5 LED lamp was a technical experiment and a challenge. The creative and research challenge was focused mostly on experimental work with LED strips, which are usually mounted on a flat surface. In this case, they were first mounted and then curved together with a metal sheet plate. This innovative process, along with finding the appropriate material to cover the LED diodes and enable them to transmit enough light through the opaque surface, was a significant part of the design process.

The project started in May 2008 and finished in October 2008 in Slovenia. It was exhibited at the Month of Design in October 2008 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The design team included BARBARA PRINCIC and technologist Mr. Miran Drac. The lamp's dimensions are Length 600 mm x Width 320 mm x High 810 mm.

The 5X5 LED lamp was awarded the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.