Discover lighting inspired by people, architecture and the natural environment.
In an interview with est, Melbourne architect Rob Kennon expressed that “nature is the pinnacle of design”. For centuries, designers have been lifting inspiration from the world around them – the landscapes, the people, the buildings – and all the sensory experiences they entail.
In this Nine to Know, we explore how designers pay homage to their surroundings in the form of an evocative light. From the Haracleum plant to a wild mushroom, to the moon itself, each is a reminder of the infinite beauty and inspiration that exists right at our fingertips.
This feature originally appeared in est Magazine issue #45.
Frederiksberg Apartment by Ellen Dixdotter and Jacob Holst | Photography by Mike Karlsson Lundgren
Moooi Heracleum II Suspension Lamp
Dutch design brand Moooi were inspired by the Heracleum plant when designing this namesake pendant. The delicate white lenses emulate the leaves of the plant as they ramify from one branch, creating a natural chandelier-like structure.
Apparatus Bowl Sconce
The Bowl sconce, designed by New York-based lighting company Apparatus, is an ode to the long-standing traditions and craftsmanship of the Turkana tribe in Northern Kenya. Each sconce is created from wooden vessels carved by the tribe.
Vitra Akari 1N
Designed in 1951 by American artist Isama Noguchi for Vitra, the Akari 1N is an interpretation of traditional Japanese paper lanterns – only with a more modernist form.
Lasvit Neverending Glory Pendant – Palais Garnier
Czech designers Jan Plechác and Henry Wielgus sketched the shape of their Neverending Glory pendants for Lasvit by rotating each silhouette around its own axis, from which emerged a mesmerising ensemble of rippling glass forms. Studying each shape, one can begin to draw parallels to the architecture of iconic concert halls and theatres from around the world, such as the Palais Garnier in Paris.
L’aviva Home Black & White Onyx Wall Sconce
New York-based lighting and design company L’aviva Home drew inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilisation of Teotihaucán to create their Piedra collection. Sculpted from carefully chosen marble or onyx, each sconce embodies the clean lines, defined angles and streamlined silhouettes of the pre-Columbian stone masks.
Matter Made Puffball Table Lamp
British designer Faye Toogood was influenced by the rounded caps and chunky silhouettes of wild mushrooms when creating the Puffball table lamp for Matter Made.
Davide Groppi Moon
One of the more conspicuous designs, Italian brand Davide Groppi created this pendant with the dream of having the moon inside the home. Hand-made from Japanese paper, each pendant is a unique interpretation of the ubiquitous orb.
Articolo Slim Wall Sconce
The ‘Slim’ wall sconce, designed by Melbourne and New York-based lighting company Articolo, is an ode to Slim Aarons’ Palm Springs photography and the glamorous high life he so famously depicted; articulating mid-century Californian modernism through architectural form and refined simplicity.
Ingo Maurer Lampampe
German designer Ingo Maurer is renowned for using Japanese paper to create his lighting designs. The Lampampe’s crinkled form pays homage to the fragility of the ancient, natural material.
