natural material studio explores light through bio-textile materials

Lighting Works, LW-B004-1-3 by Natural Material Studio

Natural Material Studio’s Lighting Works, LW-B004-1-3, designed for the Mindcraft project 2023, consists of three lighting objects that showcase the studio’s bio-textiles‘ ability to diffuse light. Made from a blend of bio-polymers, natural softeners, and chalk, these objects feature natural variations like streaks, bubbles, and shifts in transparency. The production process involves tension and suspension techniques to create sculptural forms, with steel tube bending used consistently across the collection. The studio sees light as an integral design element in these works, aiming for a holistic, sculptural approach rather than traditional lamp design. ‘Our intention was not to specifically design lamps, rather to work with light as an element that transforms and deepens the natural waves and occurrences within our bio textiles,’ explained Bonnie Hvillum, creative director of the studio.

all images by Anders Sune Berg, unless stated otherwise

Natural Material Studio’s Innovative Approach to Light

LW-B004-1-3 represents the latest stage in Natural Material Studio‘s exploration of light as an additional design element in bio-material production and display. Under the guidance of Bonnie Hvillum, the studio has incorporated its bio-textiles into various spatial installations and commissions, highlighting their unique semi-transparent qualities and the visual depth they offer when illuminated naturally or artificially. Rather than aiming for traditional lighting methods, the collection focuses on sculptural objects that leverage the positive attributes of bio-textiles while acknowledging their limitations. These three objects push the material’s strength and flexibility to the limit, suspended over simple steel structures. With the addition of cool-toned LED lighting, the works continue Natural Material Studio’s investigation into the balance between natural and human influence, exploring the boundary between art and design while developing new approaches that align with nature’s processes. ‘What we aim to achieve with our design studio is to push boundaries and explore new material possibilities. When people react with uncertainty or curiosity, that’s precisely the response we’re looking for. We want to spark excitement and intrigue, but in a way, that’s approachable and comfortable,’ shared Hvillum with designboom.

Natural Material Studio’s LW-B004-1-3 Lighting Collection

Exploring Material Concepts

With a small and committed team, the studio aims to deepen the understanding of material concepts through artistic design and spatial installations. Collaborations and commissions enable cross-disciplinary work, translating research into tangible exhibitions exploring various themes related to materials, culture, nature, and potential futures. At the core of Natural Material Studio’s practice are the principles of circular design—emphasizing reuse, recycling, renewal, and rethinking. Through a material-centric approach focused on often overlooked natural resources, the studio investigates material limitations and possibilities, striving to develop innovative design solutions with a strong artistic essence. ‘The central focus of our work is materials we’ve developed, designed, and can produce ourselves. These materials are all handmade and bio-based, specifically bio-textiles, using three simple, natural components, making them biodegradable and circular. We can recycle them in the studio, or the end-user can repair them themselves, which is very interesting in design. For a while now, we’ve been exploring these materials in the context of lighting objects. We consistently engage with the boundary points between control and release, tension and suspension. This is what we aim to communicate with these three works. Due to the scale, the materials naturally drape and take on their own form, which we haven’t controlled, allowing them to emerge in the suspension,’ explained the team.

LW-B004-1-3 explores bio-textiles

lighting works showcase bio-textiles’ versatility

close up of the lighting object

portrait of Bonnie Hvillum at the Mindcraft Project 2023 physical exhibition, image © designboom

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

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image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

image by Benjamin Lund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image by Benjamin Lund

project info:

name: Lighting Works LW-B004-1

designer: Natural Material Studio | @natural.material.studio

creative director: Bonnie Hvillum

materials and dimensions:
LW-B004-1. Hanging // Bio-polymer, natural softeners, chalk, steel, LED // 180 x 180 x 15cm
LW-B004-2. Hanging // Bio-polymer, natural softeners, chalk, steel, LED // 100 x 150 x 20cm
LW-B004-3. Standing // Bio-polymer, natural softeners, chalk, steel, LED // 50 x 60 x 20cm

completion year: 2023

event: the Mindcraft Project 2023 | @mindcraftproject