JAMES BEAUCHEMIN
CATHEDRA
2024
10.5”L x 10.5” W x 17.5” H
Cherry and walnut hardwood, walnut veneer, rice paper
Ideation
The design of this lamp drew inspiration from the architecture of gothic cathedrals, mainly focusing on those from the late middle ages. In the early stages of sketching I tried to focus on what details I wanted to include and how they could be incorportated into a more reduced and widely approachable design.
Prototyping
After refining the form and visual details through sketching, I moved on to physical prototyping to understand how the lamp would exist in space, both as an object and as a source of light. This stage also helped me determine how I would approach constructing the piece, allowing me to experiment with cheap materials to see what worked and what didn’t.
Final Product
This luminaire draws inspiration from the elegant forms and intricate details that define the style of gothic architecture. It’s geometric design evokes the grandeur of vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows in a more reduced, modern language. The rice paper shade casts a soft glow that transforms any space into a serene sanctuary.