Canadian designer Tom Chung’s rechargeable torch-like references his childhood among nature
Canadian designer Tom Chung was inspired by flashlights and outdoor gear to create the Piton portable lamp for Muuto, defined by an industrial aesthetic and versatile functionality.
‘The starting point of this project was reflecting on how we are living in cities and our desire for wilderness within these spaces,’ says Chung. He was inspired by the ongoing trend of city dwellers moving to rural and remote areas, and drew from his childhood in Vancouver, surrounded by nature and wilderness, to develop the design.
The collaboration between Chung and Muuto started in early 2018, and the lamp made its preview at Hyeres’ Design Parade before being further developed for production.
The lamp’s industrial aesthetic is informed by its functionality: the portable lamp sits, rests, clips or hooks, and it is imagined to adapt to older buildings or off-grid scenarios. ‘I wanted it to be a contemporary interpretation of a torch lamp, that could act as the only lamp you might need in any context,’ continues the designer. ‘The lamp aims to influence you to find nature in the city or find comfort in nature.’
It is named after a climbing tool, a small metal peg hammered into a climbing surface to secure the climber’s safety line; a reference to the lamp’s multifunctional attitude and outdoors inspiration.
Featuring a body in anodized extruded aluminium characterised by a torch-like grip and a lighter handle for hanging, it is weather-resistant and can be charged through a USB from an external battery or solar charger, for maximum use outdoors. The lamp’s shade and replaceable LED bulb can provide both powerful direct light and soft ambient light, thanks to internal and external diffusers working in tandem to control the beam’s angle. Adds Chung: ‘I wanted the design to fulfil the inherent needs of a torch; providing security and warmth while clearly illuminating your field of vision.’ §
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Piton Portable Lamp, €235 muuto.com tomchung.net
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