154 optical lenses were used to create this sculptural chandelier

Look long enough and you will notice the unusual elements used to create “The Lens Luminaire”, a lighting series by Object Density.

Through a close inquiry into an optician’s process and production, the Dutch design studio has realized an opportunity to reinstate the value of un-usable optical lenses, by highlighting their inherent beauty.

Unveiled in Eindhoven during Dutch Design Week as part of design hub Sectie-C, it draws upon the city’s history of lighting innovation while demonstrating the innovative use of an unexpected waste product. “It’s a physical expression of the past and present,” says Object Density. “We reflect upon how this interplay may shape its future.”

The collection began as a tangible convergence of inspiration, including the satire of New Objectivity architecture, and the detailing of contemporary luxury optics, to form a suspended light-based artwork.

The installation has been distilled to a collection of floor and desk lamps which, thanks to their modular design, can be customised to suit a variety of different spaces.

[ Lots of Dutch Design Week content will be coming. For now, check out the Interview with Jorn Konijn, Head of Program at Dutch Design Week.]

The Lens Luminaire project retains the fragility often associated with eyewear design thanks to a super-thin brass bracket, which houses a ​​dimmable 12V LED and echoes the silhouette and construction of display units found in high-end opticians. 

“We celebrate this as a living material that may slowly patina over time, a change in colouration that shouldn’t be deemed as ‘defective’,” explains the studio. To prevent unwanted blemishes, all parts are sealed with Renaissance Wax, a micro-crystalline wax with high resistance to moisture. It provides a hard, secure and invisible barrier against clouding, corrosion, fingerprints and oil, water and alcohol stains.

It’s an interesting source of inspiration that extends beyond production. 1% of every sale from The Lens Luminaire project goes to Vision For Life, a grant-making fund established by Essilor. It finances projects to address the needs of those with uncorrected poor vision and bring about socio-economic benefits for the individual and their communities.

[ We’re seeing a lot of out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to lighting design, don’t miss Rakumba’s Hangman lighting features bold geometries and a mischievous edge ]