Using everyday objects as design inspiration is nothing new, but rarely do we see it executed in such a poetic and gorgeous way as Steven Haulenbeek’s Cumulus Light Canopy made from simple white photographers’ translucent “shoot-through” umbrellas. The umbrellas, which can be arranged in various configurations and numbers, making the system fully scalable, creates a cloudlike form (hence the name ‘Cumulus’) while making the umbrella a playful light fixture rather than a shield from the dreary rain.
Similar to the themes we discussed in our recent Reclaiming Design panel, Steven sees existing objects as starting points for good design. He says, “I believe that the elements of design already reside all around us… They are there for the taking. We just have to open our eyes and minds and like a chemist create the concoction that will render something entirely new.”
Steven also collaborates with Chicago-based design group The Mighty Bearcats, who debuted a new line of work at the annual Guerrilla Design Show in Chicago. You may also remember his Zip Tie Lights from a few months back. The Cumulus Light Canopy is part of Steven’s “Superstitious” show this Friday the 13th (get it?) in Chicago, so for all you Midwestern design lovers, come on out to 1915 S. Halsted, Chicago, Friday the 13th at 6 p.m., to see the rest of Mr. Haulenbeek’s work.
+ Steven Haulenbeek
[...] CUMULUS LIGHT CANOPY Published July 10th, 2007 Fashion , Art , Design By Steven Haulenbeek link via inhabitat [...]
Resembles a cloud.
i’ve always wanted to do this, but with regular umbrellas. never thought of using photographers’ translucent ones! creative.
I think that this design works better in a larger space, where the lamps are further away from the viewer and the detail of the umbrellas becomes obscured allowing the lamps to more closely resemble clouds. Compare the first picture with the other two taken in more enclosed spaces.
haha or use tiny umbrellas for smaller spaces.. kinda cute
I’m amazed that nobody has complained yet that since discarded umbrellas aren’t being recycled that this is not in any way green.
It’s a slick idea though, and in a large space it would look fantastic.
wow. no superstitious person in their freaky mind would ever allow that.
its extremely awesome for using design as not hypothetical concept but a fact affecting day – day to life , steven has proved things all around do contribute to design n the only simple thing is to recognize it n adopt it, rather than raising ourselfs against the suroundings it is easy to work collabrated with our suroundings n environment.
looks absolutely gorgious.
You could use just one in a room and it would still look great.