L33: A Unique Ambient Lamp Inspired by Japanese Architecture

Experimenting with Structure and Light

The L33 lamp, designed by Boglárka Mázsi, is a unique and innovative piece that combines architecture, design, and technology. Inspired by Japanese architecture from the sixties, this ambient lamp explores the human sensation of the built environment and the modified light it creates.

The base idea behind the L33 lamp was to experiment with the way humans perceive architecture and the light that filters through it. Just as we can only observe architecture from certain perspectives, the same applies to the natural or artificial light that enters through architectural structures. The lamp represents this concept by offering different structural views from each side, creating a new type of observation experience.

One of the lamp's standout features is its form and core material, which draw inspiration from Japanese architecture. The lamp's clean lines and turned-over scale invite us to explore its design and function. From any side, the light source remains hidden, even when the lamp is moved around its axis.

The L33 lamp is fabricated using three different materials: concrete, Plexiglas, and a stone imitation. Each material required distinct technical solutions, resulting in three unique versions of the lamp. The concrete version was casted in a special silicone mold, while the stone imitation version was created using epoxy resin mixed with stone-like materials. The Plexiglas version, on the other hand, was laser cut and fabricated under industrial circumstances.

Technical specifications of the L33 lamp include a 12V LED strip as the light source, providing a warm white glow. The lamp measures 320 x 170 x 320 mm, making it a versatile and functional piece for any space.

The L33 lamp not only offers ambient lighting but also protects the eyes from the strong light source. Its design allows for different structural views from each side, enabling users to change the ambient and light effect in the room. The lamp is easy to handle with a switch-on mechanism, and despite its long-life LED strips, the inside mechanism is still mountable.

The L33 lamp project began in January 2014 in Budapest, Hungary, with a three-month research period. The design process involved extensive research into the relationship between architecture, light, and human beings. Overcoming the challenges of working with three different materials and ensuring consistent wall thickness required careful attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The L33 lamp has received recognition for its innovative design. In 2016, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

The L33 lamp, with its unique blend of architecture, design, and technology, is a testament to Boglárka Mázsi's creativity and vision. It offers a new perspective on how we perceive the built environment and the light that surrounds us.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Boglárka Mázsi
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Boglárka Mázsi, L33, 2014. Image #2: Photographer Boglárka Mázsi, L33, 2014. Image #3: Photographer Boglárka Mázsi, L33, 2014. Image #4: Photographer Boglárka Mázsi, L33, 2014. Image #5: Photographer Márton Novák, L33, 2015.
Project Team Members: Consultant: Erika Rejka DLA
Project Name: L33
Project Client: Boglárka Mázsi


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