Mobius Pendant Lamp

A Reconfigurable Origami-inspired Lighting Design

This reconfigurable lamp is an applied design result of Nhi Ton's research and studies on the mountain and valley origami folds which suggest motion, structure, and flexibility. With the structure, it allows users to interact and transform the shape to fit into their environment and desire. The lampshade furthermore takes on the specific form of the Moebius Strip in which top and bottom surfaces are made continuous through the simple expedient of a twist in space as the artistic representation of the conscious and unconscious dimensions of our human experience.

Designer Nhi Ton has created a stunning and innovative lighting design with the Mobius Pendant Lamp. Inspired by the Taoist principle of dynamic reconciliation of opposites, the lamp elegantly combines solid and void, surface and depth, light and dark, and strength and fragility. This unique piece of furniture showcases the beauty and practicality of basic mountain and valley origami folds applied to design products.

The Mobius Pendant Lamp stands out from other lighting designs with its reconfigurable nature. It is an applied design result of Ton's research and study on the mountain and valley origami folds, which suggest motion, structure, and flexibility. The lampshade takes on the specific form of the Mobius Strip, where the top and bottom surfaces are made continuous through a simple twist in space. This artistic representation symbolizes the conscious and unconscious dimensions of our human experience.

One of the strengths of the Mobius Pendant Lamp is its ability to transform its shape, allowing users to interact with it and customize it to their liking. By rotating two triangle plates, the shape of the lampshade can be easily adjusted to fit different environments and personal preferences. This reconfigurability adds a dynamic element to the design, making it versatile and adaptable.

The lampshade of the Mobius Pendant Lamp is made from a folded single flat sheet of paper covered in linen fabric. The mechanism of the lamp incorporates simple existing hardware and CNC cut brass plates and discs to contain the electrical parts. The design ensures that all parts are designed for disassembly, making the manufacturing process simple and efficient.

With dimensions of 610 mm x 305 mm x 1270 mm, the Mobius Pendant Lamp is a statement piece that can be used as a pendant light or as a decorative element in any space. Its unique design and reconfigurable nature make it a standout piece that combines art, innovation, and functionality.

The Mobius Pendant Lamp was created by Nhi Ton as a project at the University of the Arts, starting in August 2018 and concluding in April 2019. It was exhibited at the AIA Architecture and Design Center in May 2019, showcasing Ton's innovative approach to design and origami-inspired creations.

This design has received recognition for its creativity and ingenuity. The Mobius Pendant Lamp was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is bestowed upon outstanding designs that demonstrate resourcefulness, technical skill, and contribute to quality of life improvements.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Nhi Ton
Image Credits: Nhi Ton Matt Kullman
Project Team Members: Nhi Ton
Project Name: Mobius
Project Client: Nhi Ton


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