Valken Sconce
Moodboard
My goal for this lighting project was to create something that felt industrial, sleek, and modern. I was imagining the user would be someone who's home is made primarily from industrius materials like concrete, steel, and dark woods.
Ideation
I want this sconce to feel sleek and modern, like it was a part ripped off the outside of a fighter jet. I wanted the light to mostly be concealed from view to provide an ambiant glow, almost framing the body of the light. Then when it transforms, it should reveal the light like a villain being revealed in a movie.
Early Prototyping
My initial round of prototyping was centered around getting the geometry of the sconce correct. I wanted to make sure the metal shield properly contained the light by restricting the amount of light escaping the sides and allowing more light to pass through the top and bottom. I also experimented with the idea of adding a diffuser to the break.
Constructing Final Model
This is where I dove into the world of metal working and circuitry. I learned to weld and experimented with using both steel and aluminium. I created the diffuser using a strip heater to bend the polycarbonate and sanded it to create an opaque but even diffusion layer. I made the choice to have the light open using linear actuators which allows it to open and close with the flip of a switch.
Final Model
The Valken Sconce features a press braked, 3/16" steel plate that serves as a shield to conceil the light from view. The shield is opened by a pair of linear actuators that reveal a polycarbonate diffuser, perfect for when you need to light up a hallway.
