Nova
Transforming tension into a gesture that shapes light.
Year:
2026
Timeframe:
1 months
Tools:
Rhinoceros, Blender, Figma
Category:
Furniture Design

Overview
Giving shape to light through tension, transforming a simple gesture into a dynamic lighting experience.
Nova is a desk lamp that explores the relationship between light, form, and tension. The project originated from experiments with a lightweight surface whose geometry changes by modifying the points at which it is held. Applying this principle to light allows the lampshade to take on different configurations through a simple gesture, altering the position of the light in relation to the working surface and surrounding space. An essential aluminium structure, a paper lampshade, and a cable-tensioning system define an object that combines flexibility, simplicity of construction, and material awareness.
Problem
Desk activities require different lighting conditions, from reading and drawing to moments of pause. Traditional lamps, however, often constrain light to positions and movements dictated by their own structure.
Solution
A lighting system in which tension becomes a tool for shaping light. By adjusting the cables and repositioning the lampshade, Nova allows the direction and configuration of the light to be changed through an intuitive gesture. Its components are designed to be separable, facilitating maintenance, repair, and material recovery at the end of the product’s life.
