Unvisible Landscapes: A Fractal Lamp by Andreas Guskos

Bringing the Beauty of Fractals to Life

The Unvisible Landscapes project draws inspiration from the works of renowned mathematicians and philosophers. As Roger Penrose eloquently stated in "The Road to Reality," objective mathematical notions exist as timeless entities, not merely conjured into existence when perceived by humans. Plato, in "The Symposium," described beauty as something constant and eternal, detached from corporeal forms or thoughts. It is these profound ideas that have shaped the concept behind the Unvisible Landscapes project.

What sets the fractal lamp apart is its unique use of 3-dimensional fractals, which evoke associations with urban landscapes. These fractals are generated using Mandelbulb 3D software and then brought into physical space through 3D printing. The resulting forms are then illuminated, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shape.

The realization of the fractal lamp involves a combination of cutting-edge technologies. The fractals are generated through the manipulation of formulas and navigation in Mandelbulb 3D software. These digital representations are then rendered and transposed into video, digital prints, and ultimately, 3D prints. The physical objects are printed using PLA filament on a 3D printer and equipped with LED strips for lighting.

The fractal lamp comes in three different models, each with its own dimensions. Model 1 measures 170mm in width, 120mm in depth, and 26mm in height. Model 2 is slightly larger, with dimensions of 200mm in width, 150mm in depth, and 16mm in height. Finally, Model 3 is the largest, measuring 420mm in width, 320mm in depth, and 15mm in height.

Operating the fractal lamp is simple, requiring only a power supply. Its captivating presence makes it a perfect addition to any space, whether it be a home, office, or gallery.

The Unvisible Landscapes project began in 2019 and was exhibited in Pavilion 02 in Venice in May of the same year. It is a part of a larger endeavor to visualize and sonify "unvisible" phenomena found in nature and introduce them to the realms of art and design.

Andreas Guskos, the visionary behind this project, believes that the physical world is not the only realm that can host information. Mathematics, with its timeless and ethereal nature, offers a vast domain of possibilities. By bringing fractals to life through 3D printing, Guskos bridges the gap between the physical and the intangible, allowing us to perceive and appreciate the beauty of mathematical objects.

The Unvisible Landscapes fractal lamp is a testament to the power of design and technology in creating captivating and thought-provoking pieces. It has garnered recognition and was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2020. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit technical and creative excellence, contributing to the improvement of quality of life.