Bangkok-based THINKK Studio has constructed a low-tech machine that lets users customise the shape and colour of their own thread lamps.
The Lanna Factory is a simple wooden station that features five spindles – each with a different coloured thread – as well as a control wheel and foot pedals.
The yarn is pulled through a glue case and wrapped around a spinning PVC foam mould, activated by the pedals and "steered" using the wheel. When the glue dries, the lamp can be removed from the mould and attached to a fitting.
The user can choose from a variety of moulds, and control the direction and colour of the thread, making each lamp unique.
"We believe that everyone needs something to suit their lifestyle and interior space but it is rarely found in mass production, so we thought it would be nice to create another lamp-making system that allows people to customise their lamps," said THINKK's Decha Archjananun.
"From this Lanna Factory, the lamp shade can be produced in the same shape and colour. But in the detail, it is different every time," Archjananun said.
The finished lamps are made from a lattice of overlapping multi-coloured threads following the shape of the mould.
They reference traditional ball string lights found in Thai flea markets, which are made by wrapping cotton string around a balloon, applying glue and then popping the balloon once the adhesive sets.
THINKK Studio wanted to create an equally simple, low-energy process that would enable more variety in size, shape and colour.
"Technology is wonderful but when resources like energy and materials are limited, the simplest technology is a good choice to help this issue," said Archjananun.
"In the meantime, we are in the age of creative technology which everyone can 3D-print an object in few hours but for this project, we wanted to find another way that people could be more involved."
The Lanna Factory and Lanna Lamps will be shown during D'Days festival in Paris until 7 June 2015 as part of Sharing Thailand: Now, Then and Tomorrow curated by Chloé Braunstein-Kriegel & Thailand Creative & Design Center.
Project Credits:
Assistant Designer: Nuttiya Ratchtrachenchai