Focal Light (2016)
Design Within Reach, USA
In essence, Focal Light for Design Within Reach is designed to combine two common typologies of lights; the task light and the bedside lamp. As such, it has to meet the practical needs at the work place as well as mood light by the bed – and perhaps most importantly, it has to look beautiful in both settings. Furthermore, to add extra functionality the base is equipped with a USB port for charging smart phones and other devises. Today, this is an essential function both in a work space and by the bed.
The Focal light is a function-driven product and as such it was important to create a simplistic form without unnecessary decorative elements to support intuitive handling and usage. The main character of the light is the round, oversized switch at the front of the base. It resembles a traditional dimmer knob and clearly communicates the function. However, with regard to users with reduced mobility we have recessed it into the base and transformed it into a push dimmer which quickly levels the light in three steps with a confirming click on the button.
The wide range of use still bares one thing in common; to create a focus around the light. On the desk, but the bed or as a mood maker in the room. Therefore we have called it Focal.
Focal Light is produced in four colours; black, white, light grey and pale green.
Available for 195 USD in DWR stores in North America from August 2016 and online at www.dwr.com
Project information
Title: Focal Light
Object: Desk lamp
Client: Design Within Reach
Size: 10,5 x 10,5 x 46 cm
Materials: Diecast aluminium, steel, plastic
Design: Jonas Wagell
Year: 2016
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More work for Design Within Reach
The base is cast in aluminium and is equipped with a discreet USB charging port at the rear side. It has a recessed top which creates a tray for small items, like paper clips or USB sticks at the work place, or jewellery or a watch by the bed.
The LED light source keeps the shade cool to the hand, but also meets the requirements for energy saving which is an obvious necessity when designing a light today.
We have strived to create a simple and intuitive form and reduce details not adding to functionality. However, simplistic and pure form requires perfect detailing and skillful execution. We have designed a lamp that doesn’t express its technical properties, but instead appears humble and friendly and enhances the ease of use.
Design work is a puzzle with proportions and details. For some products it’s a long process and a challenge to meet both functional and technical aspects, and still create a beautiful object.
Focal is not a task light in the traditional sense, as we wanted to keep the measurements small to fit many spaces and the style simple and elegant to be suitable for both office, home and hotels.
Jonas Wagell Design & Architecture / JWDA
Swedish architect and designer Jonas Wagell is widely revered for his modern product and furniture design comprising soft, minimalist shapes with a welcoming expression. The Stockholm-based studio’s award-winning work combines graphic simplicity and playfulness to create pieces that typify modern-day life.
Words by Rachel Morgan for Audo Copenhagen
→ Read more about the studio!