As part of their curriculum, students at the School of Design at Northumbria University were this year assigned to create unique consumer products using cork as the main material.

Led by Assistant Professor Rickard Whittingham, they took on this challenge with impressive outcomes.

In part 3 of this 4-part series of news articles, we explore a squeezable lamp, designed by Keanu Lee.

Beach Bros Ltd, a member of the Cork Industry Federation, provided the cork for this project.

You can explore more of the students’ work on the specific Instagram page for the project – https://www.instagram.com/3d.northumbria.

Squeezable lamp

Keanu Lee

This lamp, embodying innovation and sustainability, stands as a remarkable piece of design crafted from cork. The lamp’s most striking feature is its interactive functionality – it is ingeniously designed to turn on and off with a simple squeeze. This tactile interaction adds a layer of uniqueness and charm, making the lamp not just a source of light but also an engaging object in any space.

The lamp’s body, made entirely of cork, showcases a blend of natural beauty and modern design. Its texture provides a warm, organic feel that complements a variety of interior styles, from minimalist to rustic.

Moreover, the lamp’s visually appealing and practical design, featuring an intuitive squeeze-to-operate mechanism, adds a playful touch. It’s ideal for creating a cozy ambiance in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, with its soft, diffused light offering a soothing atmosphere for relaxation.