Naked Pendant

The main design goal for this product was to create a simplistic light fixture without the use of conventional lighting components. The dual functioning socket houses an energy efficient LED light source while also suspending its decorative glass diffuser. Taking inspiration from chemistry beakers, cruets and wine decanters, the mouth blown glass diffuser’s form allows the cork socket assembly to naturally support its body. The canopy incorporates a "twist and lock" feature requiring a quarter-turn motion to lock it to the ceiling. A clean and simple approach to design has resulted in a creative use of light paired with a fixture free of any visible screws or decorative fasteners. In addition, the Multi-Pendant version is available in a variety of formats allowing for a clean, symmetrical or organic cascading presentation.

The mouth blown glass diffuser as well as the natural cork/aluminum socket assembly are all made from materials with countless recycle loops. Cork is a great material to pair with light fixtures. Aside from its gentle touch, cork provides a natural heat sink. It has one of the best insulating values of any natural material, with very low conductivity of heat, sound, or vibrations. Cork has shown remarkably high tolerance to heat. It is also 100% renewable and biodegradable. Cork production is eco-friendly and sustainable.

The Naked pendant is available as a single pendant or in a variety of multi-pendant configurations. It comes standard with a natural cork or dyed cork socket assembly.

After some material research, I chose cork as the core material for the fixture based on its heat properties and sustainability. Its soft touch would also make it a great choice to pair with a delicate material like glass. This led me to use the cork for thermal management while also supporting a glass diffuser, eliminated the need for a decorative thumb screw or socket cup to suspend the glass.

I wanted the cork to make a visual impact in the design. Early on, I focused on a clear, frosted or smoked type diffuser that would allow the cork to be visible. A clean, clear glass form would be required. Exploration took inspiration from beakers, wine vessels and vases.

After sketching, I moved to a final direction and then modeling the form to understand its proportions.

Final Design