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.