Light Sculpture Rendering
This light sculpture rendering is inspired by the natural geometry of the oregano plant. The project challenged me to translate organic structure into a functional lighting design, exploring the relationship between nature and form. Through this process, I gained a deeper appreciation for translating natural elements into innovative design solutions.
Given the freedom to explore the the Longue Vue House & Gardens in New Orleans and photograph plant specimens for analysis, my attention gravitated towards this oregano plant due to its delicate, simple appearance and rigid, geometric structure.
Diagrams
After observing the oregano at the micro, mezzo, and macro scales, I created diagrams through Rhino, analyzing its symmetry, geometry, rotation, motif, and structure.
Wallpaper
To synthesize my study of oregano, I developed a wallpaper design that combines a constructed geometric pattern with hand-drawn elements. The design highlights the plant’s rotational symmetry along a perpendicular axis, as well as the way the leaves gradually increase in size as they grow. By adjusting the scale of the geometric diagram throughout the pattern, the wallpaper reflects this natural progression in leaf size while also shifting orientation to mirror the plant’s rotational structure. Hand-drawn renderings of the leaf veins are layered into the background to add texture and reinforce the organic qualities of the plant.
Shadow Models
3-Dimensional Light Sculpture
Building on this study of oregano, I designed a light fixture inspired by the plant’s structure and growth patterns. This light fixture combines a thin, semi-robust armature with delicate, lightweight fabric to evoke the relationship between the steam and leaves of the plant. The armature and the shade display rotational symmetry along perpendicular axes, mirroring the structural foundation of oregano. When illuminated, the semi-transparent fabric reveals the interior layers of the fixture, highlighting the gradual shifts in scale inspired by the growth pattern of oregano leaves.
