Obj01 Lamp

MANU BAÑÓ's Obj01 Lamp operates as a meditation on the archetypal relationship between containment and radiance, where the rectangular panel functions as threshold or portal through which luminous energy emerges into the inhabited world. The circular void cut through the solid rectangular form invokes ancient symbolic associations with celestial bodies and cosmic apertures, the circle representing wholeness, eternity, and the solar or lunar disc that has fascinated human consciousness across all cultural traditions. The hemispheric bowl element suspended within this circular opening suggests both the vessel archetype, the container that holds and transforms, and the concave reflector that gathers and redirects energy toward intentional purpose. The tilted angle of the luminous bowl evokes eclipse states or lunar phases, moments of partial revelation where light and shadow engage in dynamic interplay that has inspired mythological and spiritual contemplation throughout human history. Material symbolism operates through the industrial vocabulary of machined metal, traditionally associated with modernity, precision, and rational order, yet here transformed through warm illumination into something approaching the alchemical, base material transmuted toward golden radiance. The presence of the human hand introduces themes of agency and participation, suggesting that designed objects achieve their fullest symbolic resonance through active engagement rather than passive contemplation. The warm-cool temperature relationship between amber glow and steel-gray surface may evoke traditional associations between fire and earth elements, the animating warmth of spirit housed within structured material form, a symbolic configuration appearing across wisdom traditions worldwide.

The Obj01 lamp was designed during the pandemic, at a time when it was not possible to go outside, buy materials or visit production workshops. Manu wanted to design an object to inhabit his home during the pandemic, so he started making models using a cutter knife and cardboard boxes from online purchases he made, since cardboard was the only material he had at home. The design process was focused on generating simple cuts on cardboard sheets and through those simple cuts generate new functions or uses for the object. In this case the idea was to generate a lampshade through a simple cut.