Lichtglas: A Fusion of Art and Light

Florian Lechner's Award-Winning Lamp Sculpture

Florian Lechner's Lichtglas, a unique lamp sculpture, is a testament to the innovative fusion of art and technology. This piece, which won the Silver A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2019, is a result of a special melting technique that reveals the materiality of light through fraction.

The inspiration behind Lichtglas is the desire to communicate with another being through an abstract representation of cosmic elliptical movements. The oval shape of the lamp sculpture, enriched with nuances of color, is an embodiment of this concept. The light fractioning occurs on and in between the layers of optical glass, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that connects us with the cosmos.

What sets Lichtglas apart from other designs is its dual functionality. It serves both as a lamp and a sculpture, depending on the user's intention. The oval glass disc, partly framed and mounted on a steel stand, can be illuminated by an LED strip, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The creation of Lichtglas involves a meticulous process. The glass is positioned over a sandy-ceramic mould and then melted and cooled down in a fusion oven. This technique, developed by Florian Lechner in the 1960s, allows for the design of diaphanous walls without a concrete skeleton or lead cames. The entire production process, from designing the work, creating the mould, cutting the glass, controlling the cooling process to finishing and mounting the glass, takes place at Lechner's atelier in Southern Bavaria.

The main challenge in creating Lichtglas was to focus and guide the light to the desired spots in the glass. This was achieved through years of experience and continuous improvement in working with glass. The result is a stunning light sculpture that not only illuminates a space but also serves as a captivating piece of art.

In conclusion, Florian Lechner's Lichtglas is a remarkable example of the intersection of art, design, and technology. It showcases the potential of light as a material and its ability to connect us with the cosmos. The Lichtglas lamp sculpture is a testament to Lechner's innovative approach to design and his mastery of glasswork.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Florian Lechner
Image Credits: Maresa Jung
Project Team Members: Florian Lechner Veronika Lechner
Project Name: Lichtglas
Project Client: Florian Lechner


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