The design studio Mickus Projects has created a honeycomb-shaped, 3D-printed chandelier made from bioplastic. Inspired by the work of Danish designer Poul Henningsen, the Hedron Pendant features a bulbous yet subtly fluted lampshade, finished in an intricate hexagonal pattern, which surrounds a stem with a delicate yet illuminating LED light source.
A Sustainable and Efficient Design
The lamp has been 3D printed from 100% corn and sugar-derived polylactic acid, a lightweight and readily available bioplastic that contains no fossil fuel or petroleum-derived materials.
Inspiration from Danish Design
When designing the shade, the studio drew inspiration from the creations of Henningsen, renowned for his anti-glare lampshades that emitted warm, soft light. Ben Mickus, founder of Mickus Projects and a trained architect, previously lived in Copenhagen, where he studied and was inspired by modern Danish design.
Applying Reflection in Design
To create the Hedron Pendant, Mickus Projects applied Henningsen's characteristic analysis of reflection patterns, combining it with renewable materials and a parametric design process. The result is a lampshade composed of a series of conical cell walls, precisely angled to reflect light twice from the internal LED source, producing a soft, diffused light as it exits the lamp.
"The 3D printing approach requires no cutting or glue, and generates no waste. The shade uses the minimum amount of material necessary to create a rigid yet fascinating form." – Ben Mickus
Natural Inspiration
In addition to Henningsen, Mickus Projects was also inspired by forms found in nature, such as honeycomb structures, turtle shells, and the multifaceted eyes of insects.
Efficient and Modular Design
The lamp's stem is made from standard components, with a custom CNC-cut bracket that holds the shade without the need for additional fixings or moving parts.
Additional Options
A white ceramic coating is offered as an additional option to enhance the intensity of the shadows created by the translucent shade.
Versatility in Use
The Hedron Pendant is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, being suitable for a variety of residential, commercial, and hospitality environments. Mickus Projects has explained that the lamp is available in a range of sizes and price points, to offer a broad selection of lighting options, from an intimate-scale night light to a lobby-scale chandelier.
Biophilia and Contemporary Design
With this lamp, biophilia meets the paranormal in this carefully crafted piece.