Cáis #1
Inspired by traditional candle lit lanterns, Prairie-style architecture, and classic milling techniques, Cais #1 embodies elegance through simplicity. The design draws from the harmonious blend of natural wood's organic warmth with the industrial precision of CNC machining.
The original inspiration came from a set of copper candle holders that I mistakenly remembered my brother and I making when we were younger. This memory sparked the idea of using CNC machining techniques to create intricate hole patterns, allowing light to pass through in unique ways.
Research
I began by visiting various high-end lighting design studios, aiming to create a piece that would fit within this upscale market. I focused on observing how premium lighting solutions felt to turn on and off, the materials they utilized, and the light output they provided. This exploration helped me establish clear technical goals before diving into the design process.
Sketching
Through sketching and prototyping, I settled on a primary rectangular form, accented with circular holes to allow light to pass through. To soften the sharpness of the rectangle, I experimented with adding subtle radii to all corners and edges using CNC milling. However, I wanted the design to feel like more than "just a box." This led me to explore subtle irregularities in the shape, adding a unique character while maintaining its clean and minimalist aesthetic.
I decided to keep one corner squared off while rounding the others, using this contrast as a defining feature of the design. This detail informed other elements as well—the feet of the base, the cable routing, and the arm of the light bulb holder all aligned with the squared-off corner, creating a cohesive visual language throughout the piece.
