Description:

Radiance blends a multitude of digital fabrication methods to create an innovative and easily assembled light.

The inspiration behind Radiance was to embrace the intricate webbing of digitally knitted textiles. I wanted to create a piece that celebrates the way textiles conform to their provided structure.

The goal for this project was to develop a frame that incorporates a light source and provides structure for a knitted textile to take shape. The final design celebrates a marriage between the digital fabrication methods of digital knitting, laser cutting and 3D printing. It brings to light the opportunity to embrace these modern fabrication methods to construct an elegant and resolved light piece. Recognising and harnessing the strengths of each fabrication method enabled me to purposefully integrate them, achieving a refined and cohesive design.

The design leverages the properties of digitally knitted textiles, creating a product that is easy to manufacture and assemble, while also demonstrating the form knitted textiles can create. The knitted sleeve is created using strong wool yarn, ensuring thicker fibres that diffuse more light compared to other yarns.The shape of the knit sleeve was programmed using the digital knit software. This was where I designed the overall shape of the knitted textile to match the varying contours throughout the structure. Doing this resulted in a more dramatic webbing effect.

Laser cutting was used in creating clear acrylic contours that give structure for the knitted textiles to form around. The use of clear acrylic allows for the final light to appear as a floating design. 3D printing was used to create clips and caps that allowed for minimalist ways to secure all the elements together to assemble the final light structure. To enhance the luxury appeal of the light further, brass was incorporated into the end caps. Radiance's final structure is easily mounted onto any wall space with discreetly designed brackets. The design is also modular, allowing it to be configured to create longer lighting fixtures.

Radiance embraces knitted fabrication, creating an elegant form that floats on any wall.