Introduction

This project is based around a lamp designed by Richard Sapper called Tizio. It features two pivoting arms, offset by counter balances to create a graceful and highly stylish piece. The aim of the project was to create a 1:1 scale model of Tizio as part of a group and then individually to take some element from it to ‘reinvent’ the lamp as something new.

Team Build

As part of a team, we proceeded to recreate the Tizio lamp as a functioning 1:1 scale model. Analysing the dimensions and the construction of the lamp, we set about making a rough prototype model out of cardboard to test for any limitations or factors we may need to consider for the final model. We discovered that the strength of the materials and the weight of each counterbalance was crucial to ensure the replica could support itself. For the next recreation, we changed the material used for the arms to foamboard, which was much more rigid and we then focused on balancing using different weights.

At the end of the build, we had created a model which resembled the Tizio lamp and could support itself. Despite this, we discovered that balancing the arms was very difficult and in order for the model to stand, we had to include various extra weighted pieces such as small stones.

Reinvention

I decided to create something based around the offset pivoting mechanism of the Tizio lamp, as I feel it creates many opportunities for dynamic movement within a product. I debated the idea of creating some sort of adjustable stand or holding device, but instead decided on creating a fully adjustable spotlight.

I wanted to make a form of studio or stage lighting that could be moved and adjusted for different scenarios and so decided to try to make one with an adjustable light output. By placing a bulb inside an enclosed section of the spotlight with concertina style side panels, the movement of the arms causes not only the direction of the light to change, but also the size of the opening on the front, therefore allowing different light levels.

Process

Before creating the final model, I decided to create a small piece of mechanism to ensure that my idea could actually be created as a working prototype. I used 3 small pieces of foamboard some pins and a piece of folded paper, to see whether the prototype would allow the folding of the concertina side panels. This piece allowed me to see the different angles and positions the final light could be moved to.

To create the final prototype, I made a diagram with dimensions to show the full scale and proportions of the light alongside a couple of elevation views to ease the construction of the prototype.

I then started to build the spotlight, using foamboard for the pivoting arms to provide strength, cardboard for the legs which was easy to cut out and work with and paper, for the sides, top and bottom of the light enclosure to keep weight down and allow the concertina mechanism to work. I made the prototype to half scale to save on time, materials and weight in order to get a better feel of the final product quicker.

Outcome

The final prototype worked well as it showed how the arms and concertina sides react with each other and can provide a range of light levels and angles for the light to shine. It gives a good sense of how a final product, constructed from aluminium or steel might feel.

On the other hand, it also pointed out the flaw in the concertina mechanism as it got caught between the upper and lower arms. Before moving onto a final model, the sides would need to be redesigned to incorporate the difference in widths between the upper and lower arms. Had I created another smaller, rough prototype, I could have realised this sooner and fixed the problem. However due to time constraints, I am not able to produce another prototype in time.