Grappa chandelier by Claesson Koivisto Rune
hangs in strings of grape-like forms

Milan 2014: Swedish studio Claesson Koivisto Rune has created a modular chandelier, with strings of ovoid lights influenced by the shape of grapes hanging on a vine.

Claesson Koivisto Rune‘s Grappa chandelier for London company Wonderglass comprises glass diffusers produced in two slightly different lengths. These can be arranged along a central stem to create strings of glowing beads.

“Like a bunch of grapes on a vine, nature creates beauty through variation within repetition,” said the designers. “The bunch consists of a number of the same-shaped grapes but each grape varies slightly in size to the next.”

“With this mental image in mind, we have developed a concept based on stacking a series of lampshades to create columns of various lengths,” they added.

Influenced by the spectacular chandeliers that hang in palaces and grand buildings, the designers wanted to develop a modular product that can be used to create large installations as well as smaller lighting fixtures.

Combining the two elements in various configurations results in a multitude of subtly different installations that can be adapted to suit specific spaces.

The translucent glass shades diffuse light from rows of LED bulbs fixed to the surface of a transparent column and the LEDs can also emit coloured light if desired.

Wonderglass uses traditional glass-blowing facilities in Venice to produce the elements of its chandeliers. The brand also launched designs by Zaha Hadid and John Pawson at its Milan exhibition last week.

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• Lighting
• Design