The Lotus Lamp is a scent-diffusing table lamp constructed from a material that blooms once heated from the lamp’s light bulb.
As our tech appliances evolve, it sometimes feels like we’re losing our connection to the natural world. Our desks are cluttered with everything from smart writing tablets to wireless speakers, leaving little room for biophilic designs like vertical gardens and classic planters.
Designer: Ye .JJ
Combining the natural appeal of biophilic design with modern technology, the Lotus Lamp, from product and industrial designer Ye JJ, is a scent-diffusing table lamp constructed from a material that blooms in warm temperatures and closes when cooled down.
Designing the Lotus Lamp, JJ relied on traditional lantern-making techniques as well as modern technologies, like 3D printing. Constructed from nitinol wire, JJ used the shape-memory alloy material because it has the ability to remember two shapes when the material is heated and cooled, respectively.
When the light bulb inside of the Lotus Lamp is illuminated and gives off warmth, the nitinol petals gradually bloom like a flower’s petals. Taking approximately one to three minutes to bloom, the Lotus Lamp’s petals close when the lamp is turned off. This “magical transition,” as JJ puts it, is meant to incorporate organic elements of nature into everyday tech appliances like desk lamps.
Maintaining its traditional appeal, JJ turned to rice paper to fill out the rest of the lamp’s petals. After breaking the rice paper down into fibers, JJ configured the paper into sets of rigid and clean petals using a customized 3D printed mold that determines the size and shape of the petals. The rice paper provides diffusion for the rest of the lamp’s light bulbs.
When the lamp’s petals open up, the appliance’s oil diffuser can be found near the top. There, users can pour in their favorite essential oils, enjoy some aromatherapy R&R, and then store the essential oil bottles on the lamp’s bamboo base.
“Inspired by the shadow-picture lantern, a traditional spinning lantern invented in China that runs by the hot air produced by the candle,” JJ describes, “As soon as [Lotus Lamp’s] petals open up, it will start spinning,” as the traditional shadow-picture lantern spins and the petals will open up just like a flower.
Overall, the Lotus Lamp’s volume and height allow it to be positioned on desks and tables of varying sizes.
The materials that make up the Lotus Lamp are kept to a minimum to maintain an elemental design.
