A first look at Kyouei Design’s Reconstruction Lamp evokes, of all things, a glimmering, golden Oscar statuette. The surprising thing is that I was never particularly taken with the look of those academy accolades until now—perhaps a bit of re-contextualization via creative design has helped me reach this re-appraisal. The clever Reconstruction Lamp was authored by Japan’s Kouichi Okamoto, who re-appraised and retro-fitted a utilitarian style clip lamp to create an equally functional yet aesthetically appealing design.

Reconstruction Lamp. Designed by Kouichi Okamoto.

A Pragmatic Light piece with a Golden Glow

Step one in Okamoto’s reclamation was a quick dismantling (separating cage from clip); step two was re-fashioning the shape of the clip via pressure and heat; and step three was treating the entire ensemble with a gilded coating. The latter imparts to the piece its signature sheen, while the former has given it a structural quality that much improves on the original. This last is also the characteristic that reminds me of Oscar: the new shape of the clip is symmetrical and structural, evocative of the flowing curves of the signature statue and, as such, an emblem of beauty and artistic achievement.

Lest you think the Reconstruction Lamp is only that, Kyouei reminds us that the piece retains its functionality. The clip works in exactly the same fashion as it did prior to the inspired reconstruction. The interior of the cage, as well, continues to be accessible, opening easily like the petals of a lily bent on catching the sun. Though, with the Reconstruction Lamp, this scenario is reversed, and—rather than procured from without—the signature golden rays are released from within, illuminating the environs with a distinctive gilded glow.

Via hype beast.