Materials
3D knitted fabric lamp
Can a fabric developed to let shoes, backpacks and mattresses breathe also let light through? The diffuser ships flat and takes shape only when fitted to its LED base. It works indoors and outdoors.
- 01If air can pass through, can light too?
- 02Designed to ship flat
- Type
- Self-initiated proposal
- Sector
- Indoor and outdoor lighting
- Status
- Working prototype in the final material
01
If air can pass through, can light too?
We started with a material, not an object. Three-dimensional knitted fabric is already used in technical clothing, footwear, backpacks and mattress covers. Its open structure allows air to pass through, while providing enough stiffness to hold its shape. It is visually appealing and dries quickly, helping to prevent mould growth. The yarn is polyester; in the rPET version, it is made from recycled material and is recyclable. We explored another possibility: if air can pass through, could light pass through too? We wanted a fabric lamp with a structure and volume of its own.
02
Designed to ship flat
The fabric can be sewn, thermoformed and edge-finished. These processes allow the diffuser to be shipped flat and take shape when fitted to the base, which houses the LED module and batteries. The light is directed upwards towards the fabric, which acts as a lampshade. The prototype, made from the final material, confirmed the design assumptions and revealed another quality: in its battery-powered version, the lamp is a pleasing companion indoors and outdoors, where the material withstands damp conditions.
Where it can lead
Technical textiles used in clothing and furniture can find a new role in lighting.