Inspired by the concept of the traditional hearth, French designer Jean-Marie Massaud‘s latest design for Italian lighting company Foscarini aims to bring people together.  Appearing like an object from outer space, Solar is a clever cross between a piece of furniture and a lamp.

Simple and serene, Solar can be used as a coffee table and as an indoor or outdoor lamp, making it a truly versatile object

A glowing hemisphere made in translucent polyethylene is eclipsed by a solid shelf that softly reflects the light downwards and outwards. For a broader field of light, the lamp can be tipped up on it’s base and angled accordingly.

While the outdoor version was designed with a flush textured surface to allow the rain to slide off, the indoor version has a slightly concave resting surface available in glossy white or dark wood.

About the manufacturer: Since launching in 1981 Italian lighting brand Foscarini has established itself as an international design innovator with some 50 models by more than 30 designers in its collection.