Project 4: Light Engines

11/09/20

Today we were introduced to light engines. I was placed in the group tasked with designing an object that would produce and modulate light when eating at a table with others at home.

Different questions popped into my head as I was introduced to the prompt: lighting contexts, temperature of light, brightness, form, standing vs. hanging, location of light, and wire placement.

I decided to start looking around my house and on the internet for how lighting is used to illuminate the dining room.

The lights in my dining room are quite similar in that they also hang from the ceiling. The direct benefits of lighting the table from above would be leaving more space on the table for other things like dishes and meals. A light source from above would also be able to illuminate the maximum number of things on the table.

When people sit around a table eating food, they are comfortable. My family usually has some smooth jazz playing in the background while a couple of dishes for dinner are at the table. There will be some conversation covering topics ranging from our day to politics. Our dining room is located next to these large sliding doors where during the day, we open the blinds for natural light. At night, we turn these hanging lights on to illuminate the living and dining room. My house is an Eichler style house, so there are very few walls; the kitchen, living room, and dining table are all connected. This makes the atmosphere easy to breathe in and doesn’t feel confined. A the same time, it feels cozy when people sit next to you at a meal.

Warmth was the second thing I noticed. The lights in my dining room are soft, warm lights that feel comforting to sit under. Besides the warmth, the brightness of the lights is not too dim but not too bright. You can see everything very well, but they aren’t blinding and harsh. It works in tandem with the warm color, creating a very soothing air.

The context of my light is when people are eating with you at home. A light that can connect people and make people feel comfortable is necessary in this case. It would be alienating and extremely formal to have a bright white light.

I experimented with some bristol paper and a lightbulb to see how bristol paper would affect the way the light was expressed and emitted by the bulb.

My first experiment was with 1 layer of bristol paper. I kept the light close to the paper, which formed a semicircular form. I was able to funnel the light in 1 general direction, but the rest of the body was still very bright.

My second exploration involved cutting away from the semicircular form to see how was affected; as I expected, there was a notable contrast between the bristol paper covering the light and the lightbulb itself. Even with the small cubic cut, it was able to illuminate a large portion of the room.

My third exploration involved layering different pieces of bristol to vary the amount of brightness projected by the bulb. The staggered layering was made clear by the amount of light passing through the layers. You can see that overlap occurs where the darker patches are located. The gaps between the layers of bristol were very bright, creating an interesting opportunity to funnel light in different directions.

Finally, the final approach I took was cutting slits in the bristol to create a lantern. Each slit let off bright light since there wasn’t a layer beneath the slits. Compressing the lantern shape was interesting because it altered the direction the light was being emitted from. It seemed to be brighter when the lantern was pushed together.

Right now, my next steps are to figure out where I want my light to be located: on the floor or on the ceiling.

11/16/20

Today’s exploration consisted of creating sketch models of my light engine. I first started out with a quick sketch of ideas on how light would be distributed at a dining table.

I ask myself some questions like how far from the ceiling did the bulb rest? How harsh did the bulb appear when you looked up? How much light did everyone get? What were the benefits of an exposed bulb? How do I hang the bulb—with string or paper?

Looking back on previous projects, I remembered I wanted to explore more because I would stick to a certain idea too early on in the process and try to force the narrative to fit the form. Instead, I explored different forms that were informed by the narrative. Since I had the luxury of time, I decided to explore the direction of light and it was funneled to project onto the table.

My first iteration looked like a goblet. I wanted to see how two separated layers would affect the density of light projected onto a surface.

Even though the paper was relatively close to the bulb, the separation proved to be a great way of preventing light from spreading to the horizontal space around the lamp. The lamp was also able to highlight whatever was underneath with ample amounts of light, but it was also very harsh to look at.

My second sketch model was made up of two pieces of rolled-up cardstock with slits to create small gaps where light could escape; the bulb was placed at the center of the construct.

Even though the slits were very small, a generous amount of light was allowed to come through. The light was generally evenly distributed around the light, with the exception of right beneath and on certain overlaps. Again, the area right beneath was lit up very brightly, but with the trade-off of being quite harsh to look at. The overlaps where I taped the sides together were also much darker than I anticipated. I enjoyed the negative space this formed created; however, I didn’t particularly enjoy how the form curved and bent. It felt very forced and uncomfortable.

My final iteration dabbled in overlapping shapes and bill-like features that helped direct light in specific directions.

My previous installments were didn’t direct the light where I would like it to go—to plates the people were eating out of. I decided to use this bill-shaped design to try and direct the light to specific directions. I designed it with the intention of directing light, and I didn’t really think about which direction just yet. I also addressed the issue in my previous sketch model where the light was too harsh at some angles. I tried using tissue paper to cover the lightbulb and it worked to an extent. The bill features were nice, but they also let too little light from shining. I still haven’t found a good way to hide the bulb in all of my sketch models, and I need to start finding a new way of securing the bulb to the paper.

11/18/20

Today’s exploration started much the same as it usually does. I sketched some ideas down after studio on Tuesday just to get some ideas down.

I started with some rough sketches of some ideas I wanted to explore. The first idea was about layering and how it would affect both the temperature and density of light. I had an idea to use strips of paper and line them over a cone to create two layers of paper; my thoughts behind this decision was that with two layers of paper, I could break up the light to decrease the harshness and brightness of the light by limiting the amount shown.

I decided to give myself 30 minutes to complete each sketch model, and if I didn’t finish in 30 minutes, I would stop at whatever amount of progress I reached. I also made a list of questions I wanted to pursue and answer:

• how do sharp vs. rounded edges affect atmosphere?
• how does layering affect diffusion of light and temperature of light?
• how bright should the surroundings be?
• what is the most effective height the light should hang at?
• relationship between harshness of light and brightness of surroundings?
• how to direct light in desired directions?
• how does movement, mechanical or implied, affect atmosphere?

There were some characteristics I wanted each engine to fulfill as well:

• needs to be able to direct light downwards
• needs to be hanging from ceiling with minimal support
• needs to provide soft light to people’s faces
• needs to create comfortable atmosphere and setting

My first model turned out something like this.

This model was very simplistic with just a cone and strips of paper to line it. The reason for lining half of cone was because I thought it would be a waste of paper to cover the entire cone; additionally, I would be able to clearly compare the effects of layered paper on light against a single layer. The layered side of the model produced soft light like I predicted. It also was able to funnel the light downwards onto the table.

The height at which I hung the light was something I struggled with and I continued to struggle with in my next models. It was hard to final the optimal position where it didn’t obstruct your view of the other people, but not high enough to where when you look up you become blinded.

This model can definitely benefit from having something covering the bulb to lower the intensity. This first model was informative of how light was affected layering and was a good start to segway into my next experiments.

My second experiment played with mechanical movement.

I wanted this model to funnel light to the 4 seats at my dinner table. I also wanted to incorporate some sort of play into the object to engage whoever was using the light. I cut 4 flaps into the 4 petals on the light that would flip up and down. Because of the bends in the paper, the flaps were able stand up on their own. I was originally planning on creating some sort of pulley system to lift the four flaps up at once. The movement wasn’t super engaging because it was such a simple movement. I definitely want to explore and refine this idea of mechanical movement more.

The pros of this model were pretty similar to the previous one. It provided direct, bright, overhead lighting to the table. It had the added benefit of being interesting to look at when sitting below. It also lit up the surrounding area with bright enough lighting to create a comfortable environment.

Because there was nothing to cover the bulb, the light was super dense and bright. On top of that, the petals were very pointy and felt like they were going to poke you. It created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Another frustrating part of this model was the placement of the flaps I had made. Because I struggled with trying to find the right height to put the model, the flaps were pretty ineffective. When taking the photos, I realized the model was too high for the flaps to be effective at letting light touch the people’s faces. However, if I lowered it, it would touch the table.

My final exploration was my favorite of the three. It achieved much of what I wanted that I couldn’t reach in the previous two.

This model and the concept behind it seemed the most promising. The process behind this one was that I randomly cut out a bunch of organic forms and taped them together into a conical form. I would bend certain pieces to leave gaps where light could escape.

The form itself is very comfortable because it is made of rounded forms. Because of its many layers, it produces a nice, warm light that softly lights its surroundings while maintaining that direct lighting on the table. I was also pretty satisfied with the placement of the sketch model because it wasn’t too high or low. However, I do think there are some adjustments I can make.

I find this model to be enjoyable to look at because it also explores implied movement. It feels like a group of clouds spiraling around the lightbulb. It feels dynamic even though it is static. On top of this, the light it produces is much more comfortable compared to that produces by the previous models despite not having any covering of the lightbulb.

This model can benefit from consisting of organic shapes that are more pleasing and work better together. I would like to explore further with this model.

11/23/20

Based on last week’s sketch model and class critiques, I reflected on what features accomplished specific tasks, attained specific characteristics, and answered specific questions I had. By the end of last week, I decided I wanted to go down the path of creating a lamp that would explore organic shapes that would work in tandem with the concept of implied movement.

These central ideas combined with the tasks of providing warm, soft lighting to its surroundings and focusing light down at the table helped shape my overall thought process.

I did some sketching of these concepts to better visualize what I had in mind. I didn’t strictly follow these sketches; I used them mainly to guide my thinking when cutting out the paper and piecing the lamp together.

I asked myself some questions regarding the usage of strips and their qualities. For example, I asked myself whether it would be appropriate to use curved or straight edges and rectangular or irregular organic forms. I also analyzed how I would attach parts to each other and to the light bulb itself.

The result of these deliberations is below.

I was quite surprised with the end result because I didn’t imagine it to turn out so well. The form was very enjoyable to look at because your eyes can follow the intricacies of its curves. Besides the form, it was also able to provide soft light to the surroundings like I intended it to do. The slits I cut on the strips really helped break up the light coming from the bulb. I was able to direct most of the light downwards onto the table.

It felt comfortable to look at and did a great job overall. However, there were also shortcomings that shouldn’t be overlooked.

One thing that stuck out like a sore thumb was the places I put adhesives. The overlap looked very unnatural when the light was on. It felt very distracting from the overall form. Another thing was the amount of paper used. I definitely could’ve achieved the same amount of success with this model using less paper. Some parts feel unnecessary and over the top; I could’ve achieved the same result using fewer pieces. It competes for your attention at the dinner table when your attention should be focused on the people you’re with.

The biggest problem by far was the fact that at a specific angle, someone sitting at the dinner table would be blinded by how bright the light was. This was mainly due to the fact that the curves weren’t symmetrical. There were gaps where you could directly see the bulb from a sitting position. In one of the photos, you can see my sister wincing from the brightness, especially since she is sensitive to bright light.

For my next iteration, I want to continue refining this model but reducing the amount of paper I use as well as fixing the inconsistencies this model has brought to the table (no pun intended).

11/30/20

Today’s work session started off as usual. I started off with some sketches based on the takeaways from the last class—the peer review sheet. They mentioned that they really enjoyed the form but it was overly complicated. It competed for your attention when your primary focus should be on the people around you.

I addressed this main criticism by reducing the number of shapes and curves overall. I used larger pieces with small cuts to allow some light to escape. I also continued the layering technique to continue the diffusion.

These rough sketches helped shape my process when I was making my lamp. However, I was still having some trouble figuring out how to attach the bulb to the structure. That was something I wanted to focus on for the next class.

The model I created did everything I wanted it to do. I addressed several issues I had with my previous model: overcomplexity, spotty and uneven lighting, distracting overlap shadows, and light intensity.

This model could do everything the other model did. It was able to create soft, warm lighting, dynamic movement, focused light on the table, and a comfortable atmosphere.

One thing I particularly enjoyed about my past two models was the asymmetry it provided. I think this one does an even better job because it looks different from every angle, but the larger pieces are less intricate and don’t distract you from the conversation for too long.

However, there are still flaws with this model, especially within its central structure and overall form. The first major issue I still wasn’t able to address was the fact that my lightbulb doesn’t connect securely with the rest of the lamp. This vertical cylinder holds rests upon the lightbulb and moves around a lot.

The second issue I noticed until after shooting my photos was how disproportionate the lamp was to the bulb. It felt very long and oversized compared to the bulb as if it was made for a larger or a set of bulbs. I feel like the form can definitely be improved upon by possibly reducing the amount of light wasted; I noticed a lot of light was actually going towards the ceiling which can be redirected back down towards the table. Angling the paper at 45 degrees to the table can reflect the light back down; however, it might increase the light intensity, which could be a problem if not covered correctly. I will have to wrestle with the concept some more.

12/02/2020

From Tuesday’s critique, my group shed light on some more issues regarding my model. The first issue was how my model felt disproportionately long. The second issue was the base that held the lightbulb.

To combat these, my group mates and my professors suggested addressing the concentration of paper at the bottom lamp. Because there was a heavy concentration of paper compared to the top, there was an appearance of imbalance. Additionally, making the model larger would also address the imbalance and make the lamp more proportionate. It would also help disperse the light better by giving it more room to extend. This would also allow the light to work better with the form because my model felt like a shell that was slapped onto the lightbulb without any intentionality. Finally, by giving the lamp a sense of scale through my photographs, I would be able to create a better understanding of the lamp for my viewer, especially since my photographs up to this point gave little to no reference points to compare my lamp.

With these suggestions in mind, I made my final iteration of my lamp. I took 6 photographs: 2 detail shots, 2 model shots with black backgrounds, and 2 in context. I also filmed 2 gifs to show state changes.

These detail shots help show the overlapping of layers I used to diffuse light to create soft, warm lighting for the people sitting at the dinner table. I also took a point of view shot of what you would see if you were sitting at the table looking upwards. I added a piece of thin tissue-like paper to further diffuse the light; it also helps with the intensity of the light so you don’t get blinded looking upwards.

These shots help the viewer understand the form with the stark contrast between the lamp and the background. I wanted to capture the folding and rotational form created by the overlaps.

These photos are of the lamp in context. They provide the viewer with a sense of scale in relation to people. I wanted to capture how the lamp lit up its surroundings and its effects on its environment.

These gifs help show how the lamp changes states and interacts with its surroundings.

Though this is my final model, there are still many flaws to this model. I was unsatisfied with this model even though it accomplished many of the criteria I set for my models at the beginning of this project. It was able to direct light downwards, diffuse light to create a comfortable environment, engage the viewer, and hang from the ceiling with minimal support. I was glad to see that it could also evenly distribute lighting to its surroundings; there were no spots that were particularly dark or bright.

The first problem I saw after taking the photos was that it was still more complicated than it needed to be. I immediately saw that I could’ve reduced the amount of paper I used to create a model that would’ve been just as successful. I was infuriated by the fact that it still felt like some pieces on the model felt like afterthoughts without any real intention. Given more time, I definitely would’ve created a simpler form that was more organized and more well thought out.

The second problem was the lamp's structural integrity. The hot glue presented me with many different options when it came to attaching paper. I was able to attach pieces together I couldn’t have if I used tape; however, it stopped sticking after a while, and by the time I was taking photos, the base holding the lightbulb was tilting.

If I were to do this project again, I would want to understand how paper folded because I felt like developing that knowledge would’ve been extremely helpful in creating a successful model. Even though I felt like I experimented a lot with form and layering, I felt like I could try and manipulate the paper in different ways other than cutting strips.

Overall, this project was very difficult, but I found it to be the most interesting and most fun project of the 4 we did this semester. It was challenging to visualize the form and hard to interact with the materials compared to the cardboard we worked with earlier this year. It was really interesting to see how the light would interact with its surroundings, and I learned a lot more about my own design process, skill set, and shortcomings.