Moving beyond the basic functionality of lamps and into sociological studies, Flower Lamp addresses household energy consumption – and rewards good behavior. The lamp “bursts into blossom” when energy consumption has been low for some time, changing its shape and lit expression. Thus, the key to enjoying the lamp in its most beautiful state is minimizing energy consumption. Flower Lamp was developed in the research project Static! at The Interactive Institute in collaboration with Front Design, a brilliant, all-female, Swedish design trio.

Flower Lamp. Designed by Front Design and The Interactive Institute.

Those of you in France (or perhaps scheduling a trip there in the near future) ought to make your way to Centre Pompidou before May 24. Flower Lamp is included in the exhibition Elles, celebrating women artists from the 20th century to the present day. Although I’m in no way a staunch feminist – the concept is quite appealing. Sofia Lagerkvist, Charlotte von der Lancken and Anna Lindgren (the Front Design dream team) are in good company with key figures including Sonia Delaunay, Frida Kahlo, Dorothea Tanning, Joan Mitchell, Maria-Elena Vieira, Sophie Calle, Annette Messager and Louise Bourgeois.

The Project Team for Flower Lamp consisted of Sofia Lagerkvist, Charlotte von der Lancken, Anna Lindgren of Front Design as well as Katja Sävström and Göran Nordahl.