Called OR², the structure is a shading device and comprises a series of polygonal segments with integrated photovoltaic cells that are connected by bolts to form a single surface structure.

The photosenstive segments react to light and become translucent when in the shade and coloured when hit by sunlight.

At night, energy stored by the photovoltaic cells during the day powers LEDs scattered on the surface to transform the structure into a giant chandelier.

The aim of the project is to explore the applicability of photo-reactive technology at an architectural scale.

Here’s some more information about the project:

We are pleased to present OR², a new installation by Orproject, a London based practice of the architects and designers Francesco Brenta, Christoph Klemmt and Laura Micalizzi. OR² is the further development of OR, a single surface roof structure which reacts to sunlight.

The polygonal segments of the surface react to ultra-violet light, mapping the position and intensity of solar rays. When in the shade, the segments of OR² are translucent white. However when hit by sunlight they become coloured, flooding the space below with different hues of light.During the day OR² becomes a shading device passively controlling the space below it.

At night OR² transforms into an enormous chandelier, disseminating light which has been collected by integrated photovoltaic cells during the day into the surrounding areas. Special software components have been developed in order to create the shapes and to generate the cutting schedules. The individual elements were then automatically numbered and water jet cut.

OR structures are the first ones to employ photo-reactive technology at an architectural scale, exploring its applicability to the fields of construction and design. The beauty of OR² is its constant interaction with the elements, at each moment of the day OR’s appearance is unique.

The installation has been specifically designed and erected for the Italian Cultural Institute as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

Called Andromeda , the lamp has clusters of LEDs embedded at the cross-points of the hard polyurethane foam form.

Mirrors can be repositioned within the structure to reflect the light in different directions.

Here’s some more information from Yamagiwa:

ANDROMEDA

ANDROMEDA is an artificial structure for capturing artificial light.

As if some sea creature is floating in the ocean, the light emitted from LED clusters via mirror reflectors within the delineated configuration distributes pure light and shadow.

The LED clusters are embedded in the crossing parts of the very organic Lovegrove structure made of hard polyurethane foam while mirror reflectors are attached with magnet having flexibility in adjusting the desired angles.

ANDROMEDA can be installed in both domestic and public space not only as a lighting fixture but also an object of art creating an impressive ambiance.

Size：
H270 x W800 x D460 (total length 600-2000)mm

Material：
Steel with painted finish. Hard polyurethane foam. Mirror
LED 1.1W x8.

Called Unintended Functions, the project also includes a shelf and drawer bursting out from under the plaster.

Photographs are by Polina Osherov Photography.

Here’s some more text from Nick Allman:

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As a studio furniture maker Allman strives to blur the line between furniture and art. By creating a narrative of destruction in the series Unintended Functions, Allman’s conceptual furniture forms question the boundaries of design and challenge the viewer’s notion of a functional, well- crafted object.

Like an improvised stool made from a tree stump, their utility is initially masked by their raw form.

At first glance they appear to be nothing more than destroyed walls, but with time their utility becomes apparent and they are assimilated into the space as furniture objects. This process of shock, acceptance, and eventual utilization as a furniture form questions the need for refinement in a functional object.

The materials and processes utilized to create these pieces flirt with question of what constitutes craft. Though it is clear to the viewer that the maker of these forms implemented traditional craft processes in their creation, the motivation is not clear. This ambiguity forces the viewer to consider the role of craft in the work and eventually raises the question; is it merely incidental?

Nick Allman is an Indianapolis based designer. He will complete his BFA in furniture design at Herron School of Art and Design in the spring of 2010.

Arco Lamp
EMT conduit, drywall, light

Entryway Table
Sycamore

Drawer
Mahogany, walnut, maple, drywall
Edition of 4