for their latest project tokyo-based design studio we+ has taken the natural flow of water and turned it into an unconventional light fixture. the project, titled swirl, captures the shape of a water vortex and uses it as a mold to create a final product that is unique every time. 

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

all images masayuki hayashi

 

 

the concept of swirl is not to control water, but to instead harness the uncertainty of its flow in order to capture its beauty. by carefully molding the unique twists and turns of the vortex, we+ seeks to engage and co-exist with nature, in opposition to today’s human-centric modern society.

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

 

 

to make the mold, we+ established their own process. the designers generated a flow of water in a large tank and then poured melted wax into it, causing the wax, when it touches the cold water, to form a unique shape as a result of the vortex forces, gravity, and buoyancy. the mold is then replaced with an aluminum form created using a lost-wax casting method.

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

 

 

in addition to the direct reference to water, the form of the light also pays tribute to our predecessors who used primitive forms of illumination, such as torches and candles. despite being a static product, twirl evokes an untamed, wild presence that harks back to both these ancient times and nature. the piece acts as a table lamp or floor lamp and aims to present a new approach to design that combines the natural with the man-made.

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

 

 

twirl is made from stainless steel pipes and aluminum castings, and is 100% recyclable. the project also employs a recycling system that allows for the reuse of material output.

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

we+ captures the shape of a water vortex to create the 'swirl' light fixture designboom

 

 

project info:

 

project name: swirl

design: we+

size: w150-200 / d150-200 / h500-750 approx

material: aluminum, stainless steel, LED

photography: masayuki hayashi

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom