From lighting company Fabbian comes Kwark, an LED lamp designed by none other than Karim Rashid. And if it’s Karim Rashid, then you know there has to be some concept behind the design. In this case, the idea is elemental. Fabbian explains, “The definition of quark (pronounced kwark) given by the dictionary is ‘an elementary particle and a fundamental element making up matter.’ Kwark is a development of the organic fluid landscape concept created by Karim Rashid.” On its own or grouped together, Kwark resembles a scientific principle come to life—the undulation of a wave or the fluctuation of a heartbeat.

Kwark. Designed by Karim Rashid. Manufactured by Fabbian.

3D & LED Wall or Ceiling Lamp

Available in white, black, and aluminium, Kwark has a square reticular structure that works in 3D, as if the light itself is trying to cast itself out from within the lamp. The back panel reflects the light of the LEDs, creating “a volumetric light.” Both the light and the 3D effect get intensified when multiple Kwarks are grouped together. In combination, the Kwark lamps become sculptural installations.

Alone, Kwark works anywhere. On the ceiling or on a wall, the lamp bursts forth—the light simply cannot be contained. In large groups, the 3D effect is amplified—like the embodiment of sound waves. A large horizontal line of Kwarks would look great in a hallway. I like the idea of putting Kwarks in scientific laboratories; or creating a large grouping in a hotel lobby, especially in cities located in any desert that features oscillating sand dunes.

About the Manufacturer: Italy’s Fabbian, or Fabbian Illuminazione Spa, is one of the world’s foremost lighting brands. Their impressive numbers bear this out: 46 years of R&D; 90 technicians and workers to manufacture each product; a 6,000 sq. meter manufacturing facility (in Venice); 450 different lighting products; and 220,000 fixtures sold world-wide every year. That last number is easily justified by Fabbian’s consistent demonstration of originality and high style, as seen in such stunning and unorthodox pieces as the Medusa Pendant Lamp, the Cubetto D28 Wal-Mounted Sconce, and the Riccio Suspension Lamp. Fabbian consistently works with renowned designers including Francesco Lucchese, Marc Sadler, and Paolo De Lucchi.