We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Nicolas Boon about their original and creative Pendant Light design work. Nicolas Boon is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original pendant light works.
Nicolas Boon ("NB") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Stanley 2701 Pendant Light. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
NB : Our main source of inspiration was the mysterious black monolith from Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The matt finish evokes a mineral texture despite its aluminium construction. Its monolithic appearance and the lightness of its volumes recreate a feeling of floating in a mysterious, almost magical way. Our intention was that even when switched off, this 45cm high suspension offers a superb play of light and shadow throughout the day. When switched on, soft, glare-free gradations of light appear on its side surfaces and a direct, functional light is directed downwards. Stanley can be used individually or in groups to create a harmonious, well-balanced path of light through the space.
NB : The luminaire was designed with particular attention to its unique geometry, allowing a variety of designs and lights to be created with the same geometric concept, resulting in the Stanley collection (S/2701, S/2702, S/2703). The complex assembly system developed has allowed us to create the impression of a luminaire with a monolithic appearance that can be fully dismantled, allowing easy access to the light source and easy repair if necessary, making it a durable suspension fixture. Environmentally friendly, the luminaire is made entirely from recyclable aluminium and offers a powerful LED light source.
NB : We are currently developing its marketing.
NB : Between the design and the production we took more or less a good year.
NB : This project was born out of a specific order from a client. The luminaire had to be very light, given its size of 45 cm. Only aluminium offered the ecological and physical characteristics that were necessary for this project. As aluminium does not have the best welding properties, we developed a seamless assembly system that gives the object a monolithic appearance.
NB : No, this project belongs to us, and for the moment we have edited it ourselves. But we are of course open to proposals for its future marketing.
NB : I love lights, what I look for is first of all the beauty of the object and the play of shadows that the light produces, even when it is switched off. When lit, it unfolds all its magic.
NB : This work is targeted at individuals but can also be directed at companies.
NB : I think that this concept stands out because of the research into the play of light and shadow of the object itself when it is switched off. We wanted to evoke a monolith around which the sunlight dances throughout the day. When night falls, it then produces its own light and shadows.
NB : The mysterious black monolith from Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey inspired us to create this work, which is why we named the lamp Stanley in homage to the director. The 27 was chosen because the pallets were inclined at 27° and the 01 because it is the 01 model.
NB : First of all, we made a multitude of sketches to find the geometry that would allow us to evoke the monolith while offering the desired light characteristics. The numerous models allowed us to reveal all the problems linked to the rigidity, the assembly and the inclination of the slabs necessary for a perfect light. The 3d allowed us to calculate the ideal proportions of the luminaire in the space and to define the shadow play of the switched-off luminaire.
NB : I think the unique aspect of this luminaire is its geometry which has allowed us to create a variety of different designs and lighting with the same geometric concept, resulting in the Stanley collection (S/2701, S/2702, S/2703).
NB : My wife and I work together. She has contributed to the development of this work.
NB : Manufactured from black anodised aluminium for optimum weight, the Stanley suspension luminaire consists of folded aluminium slabs. Made of black anodised aluminium for optimum weight, the whole luminaire has been designed without any welding points, giving the impression of a monolithic shape. The whole unit is held together by an invisible screw system. The matt, anodised finish evokes a mineral texture. The powerful LEDs integrated in the heart of the blades create a perfect symbiosis between the design and the light source.
NB : To evoke Stanley Kubrick's rectangular monolith, we had to find a geometry that was close to the rectangle but allowed us to integrate the constraints linked to the diffusion of an optimal light. A direct and functional light, oriented downwards, not dazzling, soft and pleasant towards the sides.
NB : The biggest challenge during the design and realization was dealing with the problems related to the rigidity, assembly and inclination of the slabs necessary for perfect light.
NB : It was because of the many positive comments about the product that we decided to enter the international design competition. But it was my wife who took the decision and initiated the initiative.
