Fox, Wendi: Chandlier design

 The "Sun Light"


I created this chandelier from the idea of incorporating sunlight as a key design element. I wanted the chandelier to be equally functional and beautiful whether seen at night or during the day. The blown glass cylinder extends from a solar tube (a solar tube is similar to a skylight, but reflects and amplifies sunlight through a 6 inch to 18 inch tube which passes through the ceiling and roof.) In this design I wanted to use bare materials and allow the different types of light that transmit through it to reflect off of it to express color and mood. The daylight that is directed through the glass cylinder emits a different light spectrum than the light bulbs. Therefore sunlight sends off a blue colored light, while light from the bulbs cause the cylinder to glow a warm colored light in the evening. The polished aluminum reflects light from the bulbs to amplify electric light while it blocks the glow of the tube to create an interesting silhouette. This design is most inspired by minimalism because of its use of simple inferred shapes.  Also the use of bare materials and reflection to suggest color are reminiscent of minimalist principles.

This chandelier could be a central light fixture over a small table or in a living area with high ceilings. There could also be multiples of these hanging above a long or large table. The frosted blown glass cylinder extends 3.5 feet from the ceiling and is 8 inches in diameter. About 1/3 of this cylinder is covered by a 1.5 foot tall by 16 inch wide opaque hand-thrown ceramic shade. The shade is glazed with a white glossy finish. Also wrapped around the glass is a polished aluminum cylinder that extends 4 inches below and up into the bottom of the shade. Both shade and aluminum cylinder are attached by two rods that pass through the glass and cross in the center, but are not visible. These rods are also attached to thin cables that anchor inside of the solar tube to help to support the weight of the chandelier. Because the "Sun Light" is made mostly of handmade components it would probably retail for about $1800. I think that those with a modern sleek aesthetic would be very attracted to this chandelier, although it would be those who value and can afford handmade objects and innovative design that would actually buy it.