interactive foldable cube lamp swings open and emits warm light from multiple corners

Panels swing outward in interactive foldable cube lamp

Michael Jantzen envisions an interactive foldable cube lamp that opens and emits warm light from multiple corners. Made of painted wood, the interiors are layered with squared panels, each having an adjustable light. When closed, the lamp resembles a perfectly shaped cube, and once the user swings the panels outward, the warm light comes out depending on the direction of the opened corner. These panels are also irregular, bearing their own cuts and shapes and allowing the light to filter through differently, as if the user is shaping it like an abstract sculpture.

The light comes from the center and spreads outward through the openings. Inside, users can see horizontal yellow planes stacked one above the other. These planes are evenly spaced and glow softly, appearing like thin shelves or layers floating around the center. The light is not harsh as well but diffused, reminiscent of candlelight or sunset light, and offering a soft contrast with the cool-white exterior of the interactive foldable cube lamp.

all images courtesy of Michael Jantzen

Michael Jantzen uses painted wood around the lighting design

While it is still a concept project, the interactive foldable cube lamp by Michael Jantzen uses hinged corner pieces that can be slightly tilted or fully closed. They don’t fully attach to the lighting design, so there are gaps where rays of the warm light escape, ambiently illuminating a dark space. 

There seems to be a light-diffusing filter around the central bulb, which softens the glow, allowing for a more inviting shade. Its gentle color matches the choice of material, which is painted wood for the interior and clear white for the exterior, giving the interactive foldable cube lamp a minimalist appearance that doubles as a home sculpture wherever it is placed. So far, the project is a concept by architect Michael Jantzen, yet it allows future designs to take a look at how a lighting piece can become an engaging object inspired by art and architecture.

one corner of the lamp can be folded out

view when three corners are folded out

inside, there are squared panels making up the design

each level of the panel has its own ‘adjustable’ light

a single energy-efficient electric light bulb is located at the center of the cube

the lighting piece is made of painted wood

the bulb is surrounded by a light-diffusing shield and six horizontal yellow-colored planes

the light quality as well as the shape of the lamp changes as the different corners are folded in and out

project info:

name: Interactive folding lamp
design: Michael Jantzen | @michael.jantzen22