frederic bugnot: elo light switches

‘elo’ light switch, designed by frédéric bugnot for realitem

the ‘elo‘ line, designed by frédéric bugnot for french home goods manufacturers realitem, is meant to transform common electrical fixtures into an integral part of a room. materials ranging from wood and ceramic to glass and aluminum are shaped into the pebble-like forms, which measure 90mm in diameter. electrical mechanisms include a single or double two-way switch, one or two -way push button, and electrical socket.

the producers elaborate: ‘[the design of ‘elo’] draws attention to the material used and to the feel of it. all sorts of combinations become possible: you can coordinate where it is on the wall and which way is ‘up’. switches can point towards the areas that will light up; they do not have to be in a straight line, and can include different finishes to become part of the design of your interior.‘

‘elo’ in white stoneware gloss finish

profile and head-on views of a concrete model (left) and ash wood with exposed end grain (right)

sample range of models and finishes of ‘elo’: (clockwise from top left) molded concrete, tinted baked-on black aluminum, tinted anodized red aluminum, pressed crystal sea-green

brushed aluminum two-pin electrical socket (left) and coordinating light switch (right)