I quite enjoy it when terms that were formerly associated only with the web get parlayed into expanded parlance. Belgian architectural firm Lens°Ass Architecten provides a great example of this type of linguistic fluidity with the recent On Line Luminaire. Created by principal Bart Lens, On Line is a lofty luminaire, a pedantic pendant, a tip-top Tinkertoy of conceptual lighting that promises some head-high structure and nuance for interior illumination.

On Line. Designed by Lens°Ass Architecten.

Modular LEDs for Pinpoint Incandescence

Strictly speaking, the above takes a few liberties, since the source of On Line's considerable brightness is not the familiar lumens but rather the forward thinking and eco-conscious LED, which Lens has skillfully arrayed among the fixture's paper thin supportive strip. Conceptually, On Line has some similarities with a much maligned artifact of 70s Americana-track lighting. Unlike that relic, however, On Line is attractive, adaptable, and ultra functional. The expandable luminaire's component parts consist of the aforementioned structural strip and three differently-sized lighting modules: flush-mount, downlight, and directional.

The three attachments perform slightly different functions. The flush mount module highlights desired areas to create an intriguing play between light and shadow; downlight works well in an overhead spotlighting capacity; and the directional element encourages creative interaction with wall-mounted art. Apart from these pragmatic implications, however, On Line contributes a distinctive aesthetic. Whether you choose to use On Line to make a continuous belt of bright white light, or mix up the various components to establish some unusual and intriguing architectural appeal, visitors will never fail to gawk overhead at the tantalizing texture of On Line's serendipitous stream of LEDs.

Via Muuuz.