calyx by MMBartosik from canada

The CALYX light fixture derives its name from the language of botany. A Calyx describes the outer surface of both a husk and the bud of a plant. Similarly, the light fixture, comprised of transparent OLED modules in its entirety, is too but an outer surface; one which describes the remnants and emergent possibilities for the production of light. The CALYX light fixture's form is a derivative of its technology, each square OLED module is pinned to the latter to produce what resembles a sphere whose geometry typifies the light diffuser of the 20th century. The OLED's transparency however, betrays its function when turned off, leaving no indication of a centralized light source to be found. What remains instead is a muted framework whose role as a diffuser has expired and onto which a new function can be applied. Once turned on, the new function for the framework becomes immediately apparent, reestablishing its surface as the surface of the light itself. The former muted lattice instantly transforms into an assembly of glowing squares which circumscribe the emptied site of light production from the previous century.

The Calyx light is conceived as a series of fixtures whose geometry affords a variety of configurations and responds to diverse market demands, ranging from residential to commercial applications. The 53mm x 55mm transparent OLED panel serves as the base module for the fixture's assembly. A custom frame which captures the OLED module serves both as its armature, as well as its electrical circuit and insulator. Each module is pinned to the latter at its four corners by a press fit connection and electrical contact, producing a rigid framework and continuous electrical circuit for the light fixture. The use of a typical frame as the sole component for the light fixture concentrates resources into a singular detailed focus for its development. When mass produced, the use of a singular component reduces set up costs, drives unit prices down and accelerates the ease with which the light fixture is assembled.