Designer Transforms Cardboard into Elegant Twilight-Inspired Lamps | CENIT Collection

FDT Bureau

Metaphors and analogies often liken dawn to new beginnings or opportunities, with the rising sun symbolizing fresh starts. Conversely, dusk, with its subtle transition from daylight to night, holds its own unique magic. As the sun’s light wanes, it briefly lingers, creating a calming prelude to the restful night. This serene moment signifies the end of a bustling day and ushers in a period of reflection and peace. Capturing this tranquil ambiance, a set of mood lamps has been designed to evoke the essence of dusk using a minimalist approach with just a few pieces of ordinary cardboard. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Designer Oscar Santos has transformed the commonplace material of cardboard, often undervalued and relegated to packaging, into something remarkable. While cardboard is typically considered less durable than wood and is frequently discarded, its inherent properties make it an excellent medium for innovative designs. The CENIT collection, named after the Spanish word for zenith, draws inspiration from the sun’s highest point before nightfall. These lamps harness cardboard’s natural ability to reflect and diffuse light, creating a warm, soft glow without the need for additional components like filters or complex lighting setups.

The CENIT collection consists of three minimalist luminaries: a wall lamp featuring two elongated cardboard pieces with one serving as the base and the other concealing the light source; a desk lamp with a more decorative rectangular stand; and a pendant light offering adjustable illumination by allowing the light source to be directed as needed. The simplicity of the design not only enhances its aesthetic versatility but also ensures sustainability, as worn or damaged parts can be easily replaced with readily available cardboard. This innovative use of material captures the poetic essence of dusk, setting a mood that transforms spaces with a touch of enchantment, much like the fleeting beauty of twilight.

Image credit: Oscar Santos