elemental's alejandro aravena designs 'O' lamp for artemide to perfectly frame natural landscapes

alejandro aravena of chilean architecture firm elemental has designed the ‘O’ lamp for artemide to be as imperceptible as possible when not used. when switched off, the lighting piece becomes an unobtrusive sculptural object that can frame surrounding nature through its large, rounded aperture and minimal silhouette. ‘O is an attempt to reconcile the needs of the natural and the urban environment’, aravena says. ‘darkness and disappearance will be the contribution of ‘O’ to nature and public spaces. the more the planet becomes urban, the more we appreciate the value of natural spaces.’

the controls of the ‘O’ lamp are adjusted with sensors, and via the artemide app to respect the outdoor environment in which it sits. illuminating only when needed and reacting to passersby as they move through a landscape, the light is designed to prevent waste and respond to the biological cycles of animal and plant species. elemental has designed the luminaire with a thin aluminium profile and sense of lightness that is an element on its own. envisioned as a public design piece, it can be easily moved wherever necessary, and allows for multiple configurations.

‘O’ has been developed in a 90 centimeter diameter version, as well as in a smaller, 45 centimeter version that features all the characteristics of the original one — a comprehensive family of elements. all editions come in both a white and a black finish to match all possible spaces and scenarios. it can also be adapted for interior spaces, thanks to a cabled option that allows for easy relocation.

‘our project for artemide is an attempt to reconcile the needs of the natural and the urban environment,’ elemental continues. ‘our strategy is twofold: on the one hand, it is to design a light for the public space that, when not in use, can be as imperceptible as possible; light without a lamp. on the other hand, it is to take advantage of different types of sensors so that light appears just when needed; light only on demand.’