Our journey started 12 months ago with a desire to design a light, a need to learn CAD, and a set of core principles.  After many, many months of design, prototyping, and refining the first batch of Viga mini pendant lights are available.

DESIGNING THE LIGHT

We have always been lighting geeks. We wanted to use the design of the Viga as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of CAD (computer aided design), and begin to experiment with rapid prototyping and short run manufacturing at the core of our product development process. Because we’re often on the go and trying to travel light, we started out with Shapr3D, which has a really easy learning curve and allows for moving between iPad and desktop computer seamlessly.

Experimenting in the post modern style of design, Viga’s form slowly emerged. As we began to explore materials and texture, we stumbled on the excellent Stonefill filaments by Colorfabb. The first one we tried had a rich brown color and texture that reminded us of the Pueblo architecture of the southwest. It gave the light shade a wonderful feel that seemed much more organic than a typical 3D print.

Continuing with this inspiration we then introduced wood as a material in the form of a set of wooden dowels. They evoke the Viga beams used as roof support in those same Pueblo structures... And the Viga light was born. 

MODULARITY

Modularity is one of our core design principles.  This means that pieces of the system can be independently created, modified, customized, or repaired. It also gives us breathing room to solve future problems that are important to us, like sustainable disposal of a piece (if it comes to that point in its lifecycle).  

The light itself can be broken down into five main components; the shade, the diffuser, the strain relief, the bulb socket, and the cord.  It took several iterations of this light to get to where we are today.  Through this process we learned about things like:

• Designing internal structures to support electrical components in a small space.

• Optimizing for ease of assembly and fastest print time per part.

• Using standard components to simplify maintenance and increase long term value.

• Combining materials, form and color in ways that allow for future customization as style and surroundings change.

For example, you can customize the Viga by swapping the diffuser for another with a new shape or color.  Utilizing magnets as the attachment system, this “snap-in” part is easy (and a bit satisfying!) to remove and reattach.  

And while the wood dowels seem to be just a simple design element, they are actually part of a larger systems thinking.  They not only interlock with and secure the various parts of the light, but we can imagine offering various bases and mounting options that use the dowels’ or their recesses as attachment points

By following a core design principle upfront - modularity - we’re demonstrating that a different approach is possible, and can extend the lifetime value of a product, which keeps it out of landfills.  We’re hoping to change the perception of products made with plastic by keeping their lifecycle in mind throughout the entire design process.  And while the Viga light is not the be-all, end-all to fix all our consumer issues, it is the first in many (many) exploratory steps toward reaching the goal of sustainability through considered design.

BATCH 01 AVAILABLE NOW

The Viga light is now available as a Batch 01 limited release.  This is our first set of these lights available in a matcha green shade color and cream cord combination.  These lights are made-to-order just for you and only 25 will be available for this first set.

If you like this color combination and want to own one of the first Viga pendant lights, check it out now in our store!