What can a mathematician do for lighting design? The Raimond, as it’s called, consists of two concentric spheres created from a series of triangular shapes; the electrical current flows through the stainless spring steel frame to the LED terminals. Debuted at Euroluce 2009 in Milan, the Raimond was developed by German mathematics professor Raimond Puts in association with OX-ID for the Avant-garde Dutch design firm Moooi. Bold, beautiful and definitively iconic – it successfully merges science and art.

The Raimond. Designed by Raimond Puts with OX-ID for Moooi.

Moooi is derived from mooi, the Dutch translation for beautiful – and so, with the extra o, the firm’s name effectively means more beautiful. They’re a go-to brand for contemporary (and often whimsical) lighting designs – offering an easy way to modernize any space. So if you’re not already familiar, here’s a good place to start…

The Random Light, designed by Bertjan Pot in 2001, is a large-scale hanging light fixture is formed from resin-drained yarn randomly coiled around an inflatable mold, creating a translucent 3D “fabric” form that is practically synonymous with the Dutch brand. Horse Lamp, designed by Front in 2006, has also become something of a classic – and Brave New World, “a wonderment of intersectiong parts and tiny joinery, of geometrical and clever mechanics” (in the words of fellow 3rings writer Joseph) was debuted last year at Milan. But as a point of comparison, Raimond most closely resembles Random Light in terms of its spherical form and translucent, three-dimensional aesthetic.

The Raimond is available in 3 sizes: 43, 61 or 89 centimeters in diameter (similar to Random Light). The spheres transport the curent, the LED terminals join the paths, and transparent lenses are detailed for maximum visual effect.