context

The Hood Lamp was developed in collaboration with Sofia Arenas as part of the Introduction to Design Studio course led by Andrea Caruso. The brief was to reconstruct an existing lamp in order to understand a product’s structure, materials, and assembly.

We based our work on the original Hood Lamp by Andreas Kowalewski.

concept

The project focuses on learning through reconstruction. By replicating an existing design, the goal was to reverse-engineer its components, understand how form relates to function, and explore how small design changes can alter perception.

Our intervention centered on material and color variation, maintaining the original structure while shifting its aesthetic identity.

process

• Analyzed the original lamp’s structure, components, and materials

• Modeled the design in Rhino to understand dimensions and proportions

• Created a cardboard prototype using laser cutting to test scale and assembly

• Sourced materials similar to the original design

• Fabricated the final lamp using metal components

• Assembled the structure using bolts and completed the electrical wiring
  

key decisions:

• Building a prototype first to validate dimensions and construction

• Maintaining the original form while modifying material finish and color

• Replacing grey metal with white and gold tones to shift the visual identity

• Following the original construction logic to understand how the product functions
  

outcome

A reconstructed version of the Hood Lamp that preserves the original design logic while introducing a new aesthetic through material and color choices. The final piece demonstrates both technical accuracy and thoughtful variation.

reflection

This project taught me how to understand design through making. I learned how products are assembled, how materials influence both function and perception, and how small aesthetic decisions can transform an existing design. It also strengthened my technical skills in prototyping, digital modeling, and fabrication.