In thinking of an ideal name for a desk lamp, the word “tilt” seems an unlikely contender, what with its connotations of things being imbalanced and askew. The case of the Tilt Lamp, however, is a classic example of re-contextualization, or what some like to call “owning the language of the oppressors.”

Tilt Lamp. Designed by Lokolo.

Embrace the Rough Edges of the Versatile Tilt Lamp

Not that there’s anything particularly oppressive about most designer desk lamps, but one would think that the idea of a “tilting” lamp might encounter opposition from multiple quarters. But the beauty of Tilt is that it’s neither imbalanced nor askew, as it sits in a posture of utmost stability regardless of which of its faceted edges is face down.

Tilt is loosely based on the philosophy popularized as the “New Brutalism.” Characteristics of this architectural approach include repetitive angular geometries, the use of concrete, and duplication of the texture of the wooden forms used for casting. Tilt captures the New Brutalist aesthetic by beginning with a solid concrete hunk, then hewing same into an elegant, if asynchronous, polyhedron with a simple halogen bulb smack dab in the center.

Following the cue of the effervescent snowflake, Lokolo has made Tilt—and all incarnations therein—truly one of a kind. The Tilt concrete lamps are all handmade, meaning the size, shape, and scope of its distinctive silhouette will never be repeated. This holds whatever the shade of the lamp in question in question–any one of Lokolo’s signature shades of dark black, charcoal, or silver gray.

Via SleekDesign.

About the Designer: If you happen to be in the environs of Berlin, you may know of design firm Lokolo, who—through faithful patronage of local suppliers and local manufacturers and dedication to principles of fair trade—is able to consistently “make sustainable everyday objects beautiful and fun to use.” Hours of enjoyment are thus at your disposal, especially in regards to Lokolo’s whimsical Tilt and Disc Lamp S.