For some inexplicable reason, a lot of table lamps lately—especially “green” ones—are starting to look like little people from other planets. I’m not sure if I’m the one investing these objects with anthropomorphic life or if they do, in fact, resemble Martian beings. Perhaps it’s the vocabulary attached to lamps, which have legs and heads and necks (sometimes arms). Here is yet another light that fits into the little green alien category—and it’s got the added dimension of literally being green (so, put that in your pipe and smoke it)!

Ventilite. Designed by Northwards Design Studio.

Table Lamp Revamps Repurposed and Waste Products

The bright green frame of Ventilite hides the metaphorical green of the lamp’s content: Ventilite is 100% recyclable and completely constructed “from existing, re-appropriated and waste products.” The creation of Chris Jackson, the mastermind behind Northwards Design Studio, Ventilite received Honourable Mention in the Surplus & Creativity Exhibition 2010. The frame is built of waste material from a previous project, then pre-fabricated and pre-finished louvered panels were added to create Ventilite’s face. These tiny slats—resembling a mouth, moustaches, or ribs—“provide a seductive lighting effect.” The shadows they cast look like rays of sun poking through blinds or light filtering through closet doors; it calls to mind hiding and peeking. Ventilite celebrates the secret allure of voyeurism.

Chris Jackson is an Industrial Designer with a penchant for collaborative work. Currently, he teaches at Massey University in New Zealand, where he must be thankful for Internet communication, which naturally allows him to communicate with other designers across the globe, as is his wont.