Having just covered Front's Surface Tension Lamp, which seeks to redefine the very concept of the lamp, let's turn our attention to Philippe Starck and his Bibliotheque Nationale for Flos-"a magic bookcase where the books take flight towards the light."

Bibliotheque Nationale reminds us that lights should illuminate books, among other things, and facilitate relaxation. The floor lamp by Philippe Starck retains the familiar shape of the everyday object, while adding to it a sense of motion-and delight.

Three integrated shelves of varying sizes act almost like a staircase for books, allowing them to climb their way toward the light. This serves as an apt metaphor for the creative act of reading, in which books seem to come to life.

Like much of Starck's work, Bibliotheque Nationale is also practical. The floor lamp comes with a USB connector to recharge phones and tablets and it produces apt lighting. Diffusers are available in Aluminized Bronze, Aluminized Silver, Fumee, Pliss© Cloth-and my favorite, given its kinship to the Ghost Chair, Transparent.

Visit www.usa.flos.com for more information.