vegetable lamps by kathy ludwig and florian kräutli

‘leek’ lampshades image © designboom

dutch designers kathy ludwig and florian kräutli have designed ‘for the birds’, a series of lampshades made from tapioca, vegetables and wafers. the three different lamps are made from beet root, blue cabbage and leek respectively. production follows similar processes to that of paper making in which the materials are thoroughly combined and pressed into a mould to set.

when hung indoors, the aromas of the vegetables can be experienced within the space, giving off an earthy smell. when the vegetable lamps are no longer wanted for the domestic environment, they can be brought outside, hung in a tree and serve as food for animals. the transition from inside to outside starts a transformation in the product which can’t be reversed, changing its original purpose.

up close image © designboom

detail image © designboom

‘red cabbage’ lamp image © designboom

underside of the lamp image © designboom

detail image © designboom

‘beet root’ lamp image © designboom

installation view image © designboom

‘for the birds’ was on show at tuttobene during milan design week 2010.