The Function of light/2 or “light ball” by designer Johannes Hemann is succinctly summarized by the designer himself, albeit, in slightly imperfect English: “2 halfs form a ball. Each half is a light on its own—giving focused light—or the two halfs combined form a ball, creating diffuse lighting.” Hemann’s hemispherical ball of light is a pure and sensible form. The image of the designer’s hands separating the piece from one into two seems a scene of celestial import, so elemental is the shape, so archetypal the infusion of light.

light ball. Designed by Johannes Hemann.

Focused Light for Delightful Dining

As I may have hinted in that last sentence, light ball reminds me of the sun and the moon (not the stars—I’m betting Hemann will save that for a later date). The piece surely evokes the hulking hull of the bright orb of the night, particularly at harvest time, as it also recalls the white-hot heat of our most magnificent star. Who’d have thought, however, that it would take the clever machinations of 40 cm of polypropylene to infuse the piece with the prestidigitatory panache of its own parting.

light ball’s ability to transform itself is rather high on the wow factor, but that doesn’t mean it’s mere gimmickry. Many is the time I’d wished my overhead light source would simply split in two—like so many dividing cells—and shine a brighter bit on my book in need of reading, my green pepper in need of mincing, my dog in need of cleaner ears. While that last example might take some of the magic from this gloss, it nevertheless exemplifies just the kind of pragmatic contribution that the lovely light ball will surely make to your day to day.

Via Muuuz.