waelice 3D printed wall lamps by nodesign saint etienne biennale 2013

the 3D printed wall lamps allow one to adapt and modify the lighting components according to their needs

design relates to how concepts evolve, how the right technologies or materials are applied to a product– it is about an idea synthesizing with cultural, economic, societal and technological developments, harnessing a variety of techniques translating them into meaningful and useful objects which comfort our senses;aid in relieving stress or difficulties when carrying out certain tasks; enhancing or bettering our lives… it is about empathy. taking this as its theme, the 8th biennale internationale design saint-etienne brings forth a range of concepts as well as realized products which all surround this matter–one of the most basic and important feelings humans possess– the formal basis of our relationship with everything around us.

the color and intensity of the wall mounted elements can be controlled via smartphone or via sensors tracking one’s movement

the eliumstudio-curated ‘traits d’union’ exhibition explores empathy from four different approaches: conceptual empathy, environmental empathy, technological empathy, and sensory empathy, ultimately blurring the lines between these distinct categories– transcending the association between mankind and object. composed of numerous stem modules which function like a computer network,‘waelice’ by french studio nodesign is a 3D printed wall lamp which deals with empathy on a conceptual level– when the user is consulted about, and participates in the initial design and the production of the piece or its outcome– emphasizing the importance of personalization and uniqueness.each of the elements contain an IP address which allows the user to modify the light intensity and colour of the individual components,offering the ability to personalize their output either remotely from a smartphone, or directly by a simple gesture camptured via sensors found within. the project offers an alternative mode of production whereby the designer, is now the manufacturer is now the new artisan.

‘waelice’ allows user numerous color and light intensity applications which can be adjusting according to one’s desired ambiancevideo courtesy of nodesign

‘waelice’ on display at biennale internationale design saint-eitenne 2013image © designboom

the stem modules are flexible

the modules are equipped with their own IP address

various connectors which allow one to build up their ‘waelice’ lamp

technological components

biennale internationale design saint-étienne 8th edition from 14th to 31st march 2013empathy, or experiencing the other50 exhibitions, 29 rendez-vous, 60 places

created in 1998, the biennale internationale design saint-étienne has established itself as a major design event for the professional and general public, on an international scale. a rendez-vous firmly rooted in innovation, prospective, and research through design.

the 8th edition will run from the 14th through to the 31st march 2013, with the ambition of further developing interactions between the saint-etienne region and designers, local cultural and economic actors, and national and international invited guests. the biennale is taking place throughout the saint-etienne region, hosting more than forty exhibitions at the cité du design and other external sites, along with conferences and events organized by numerous different actors.