Optical Phenomena: Circles and Countercircles by Troika

Troika is a design studio with a penchant for research and innovation. Inspired by the manipulation of light, Troika designed two chandeliers for the Royal Society of Arts that control, diffract, and scatter light by using fresnel lenses. A tribute to both Sir Isaac Newton and Augustin Fresnel, Circles and Countercircles chandeliers “signify a quest for deeper understanding which found a natural resonance with the values and legacy of the Royal Society of Arts, founded in 1754.”

Circles and Countercircles. Designed by Troika.

Chandeliers with Fresnel Lenses Cast Geometric Patterns of Light

Circles and Countercircles. Designed by Troika.

The Troika chandeliers use fresnel lenses to control the light that’s generated by high-powered LEDs, casting complex geometric shapes on the ceiling. One chandelier uses a single lens with brass-plated aluminum, Corian, and custom electronics; the other incorporates twelve lenses with rose gold-plated aluminum, glass, and custom electronics. The Circles and Countercircles chandeliers hang inside the refurbished Royal Society of the Arts, a project designed by Matthew Lloyd Architects.

Circles and Countercircles. Designed by Troika.

Circles and Countercircles continues the examination of light and optics that Troika began with its “Falling Light” installation for Swarovski Crystal Palace, which was exhibited at Design Miami in December 2010.

Circles and Countercircles. Designed by Troika.

Via Moco Loco.

About the Manufacturer: Troika was founded in 2003 by three graduates of the Royal College of Art: Eva Rucki, Conny Freyer, and Sebastien Noel. A London-based experimental, interdisciplinary design studio, Troika combines detailed research, dialogue, and experiment. Their work explores the nature of perception and rational thought, “drawing inspiration from fundamental scientific, optical and mechanical principles.”

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